Scripture: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3
Examination of Chapter: In this chapter, Jesus explains to His followers that He will be leaving them soon, but it is because He is preparing a future home for them in which they will be with Him forever. Of course, He is referring to the heavenly home that all believers are promised, but it is a hard time for His disciples in that Jesus is preparing them for a time of separation and hardship as well. He goes on to say that He will send His Spirit to abide with them, providing comfort and support until He and they are reunited.
Application: In my first year of junior high school, I met a girl named Lorrie, who quickly became my dearest friend. We laughed together, cried together, helped each other through the tough times of adolescence, and as we grew older, the support and encouragement for one another never wavered. We stood up for each other at our weddings, embraced each other through funerals, and eventually life took us physically apart, but we always kept in touch. Now, nearly 60 years later, we remain as close as we were when we were teens. Today’s technological tools make it easier to stay connected. We still text, facetime, and call one another on a regular basis.
Recently, my friend called and asked if I’d like a visit from her! Would I ever!! Of course, I said yes, and before too long, I was at the airport running toward her! We wrapped our arms around each other in a long overdue hug, and took off as if we’d never been apart!
I have another friend that I met close to the same time as when I met Lorrie. Through the years, we have stayed in touch regularly, and those times have been so precious to me. In fact, I can’t imagine a day without Him. His name is Jesus. He keeps in close contact with me through His Word, and I reach out to Him through my prayers. He has even given me His Spirit to comfort me, guide me, and sometimes correct me when I am heading down a wrong path.
While every day with Jesus is wonderful, I know it will not compare to the day that I see Him in person. Currently, 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells me, “For we walk by faith, not by sight:”, but one day, Jesus tells me in His word that one day I will see Him face to face (Revelation 22:4).
When I saw Lorrie at the airport, the happiness within my heart was overflowing, but I know it will not compare to the joy that will flood my soul when I finally see my Saviour, Jesus, face to face. Until then, I shall continue to keep in touch with Him, looking forward to that incredible moment when I “…shall see him as He is.” (I John 3:2). When I think of Jesus, my soul sings; I cannot imagine my reaction when my faith does become sight, and I am in the presence of the One who loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Oh, what a moment!
Meditation:
- “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” – 1 Peter 1:8
- How long has it been since you’ve connected with Jesus? Why not take a moment to send a short prayer or read a verse or two from the Bible right now!