“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – John 14:1-3
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:42, 43
There is a place. A place that has been prepared…for you. It is not just a hope and a prayer. It is not just a dream or “make believe”. It is a real place. Jesus talked about it all the time. He was looking forward to going back there…to the Father’s house…home.
It is a place where Jesus is. His promise to the disciples in the upper room and to the thief on the cross was that He would see them there. In other words…”I’ll get things ready and we will meet there and hang out!”
Several things to think about as we think about our eternal home. First, there is a place for you! It has been prepared. No one comes into heaven and has to look for a seat. “Oh…we weren’t sure you were going to make it. Wait right here while we find you a place.” No…Paradise is a place where you will be expected. You will feel at home there. “Yes, we have a place already set just for you.”
Yes, believer, this is more than words of comfort to us to help get through the trials of this life. This is something to look forward to. Jesus is giving His disciples and this new believer on the cross next to Him a destination!
This changes your perspective when you are headed somewhere. The long drive on a family vacation, the traffic, the uncomfortable car are all much more bearable when everyone is filled with excitement…anticipating the arrival at your final destination…the “place” reserved for you.
It is good to know as we make our way through the ups and downs of this world that we are headed somewhere. There is a destination. You are on the way and Jesus has gone before you. It’s good to know that He is prepared for you…expecting you.
Have you accepted His invitation to His Father’s house. He has a place for you. He wants you to come. He loves you and has created you and a spot for you in His Kingdom. You’re going to love it!