6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:1-3 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
We are all probably very familiar with the verses that I have chosen for today. If you have attended a funeral in which I have shared from God’s Word, you’ve probably heard me talk about these three verses.
They are powerful. They provide much comfort in a time when anxiety is abounding.
For the disciples, they were anxious because Jesus had told them that he was going to die and leave them. For us, it’s COVID-19 and the thousands of painful ways that it has affected our communities, nation, and world.
Therefore, Jesus’ words to them can provide comfort to us.
He starts off essentially by saying: “Don’t worry. Trust God the Father and trust Me. We’ve got this.”
Then, He talks about His Father’s house and all of the rooms in that house. I know that some people’s translation says “mansions” but the word in the original language literally means “dwelling place.” Since we find rooms in a house, “rooms” is a very good translation.
But what is this place that Jesus is talking about? What place is He going away to prepare for us? What place is so wonderful that we can look to it and find comfort in our current circumstances that would breed anxiety?
Simply put, it’s the New Jerusalem. Jesus didn’t go away to prepare Heaven. Instead, He went away to prepare the New Jerusalem that will one day come down out of Heaven onto the New Earth. Notice the word “prepared” in the following verses. This is the place that Jesus was going to prepare in John 14:1-3.
Revelation 21:1–2 (CSB): “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.”
There are a lot of different ways to combat anxiety. But one sure-fire way is to look to the future and visualize the place that Jesus has prepared for us that we will one day enjoy forever and ever. Realize that our current difficulties are only temporary and will one day be gone as we enjoy our Heavenly home with our Savior forever.
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Lord Jesus, thank You that You have prepared a place for me. I can’t wait to get there! I can’t wait to spend eternity with You and everyone else who will dwell there forever. As I go through life’s circumstances that would breed deep anxiety, help me to lift my eyes to my Heavenly home and dream about the day that I will get to enjoy it forever. Thank you! Amen.
Matt’s Musings 