A Place Prepared For You
There seems to be such a finality in death, especially for those you remain behind. Saying “good-bye” to a loved one is hard and as life goes on, one struggles to keep alive some memories of good times together and aspects of the deceased’s personality or character. For a time, one might visit the cemetery and place flowers on the grave, but there comes a time when one must just let go and get on with life. This process repeats itself over and again, especially as one gets older and the good-byes become more frequent. Because of this sense of finality, I don’t believe that one ever gets used to it. Sorry overwhelms the soul as one realizes that this precious person’s life is over.
Even though Jesus was a young man of only 33, He knew that His life on earth was soon to be terminated. Jesus’ redemptive purpose was to be fulfilled in His death, but the fact that He was not going to be with His friends for many years was beyond the disciple’s comprehension. Peter went into denial, rebuking Jesus for talking about His death. The disciples went through the typical swings of anger and sadness as Jesus tried to prepare them for the inevitable. Peter was even ready take His place, or, if need be, die with Him. But, no matter what their feelings were, they could not stop the fact that Jesus was going to die.
In John, chapter 14, we see Jesus trying to comfort His disciples by explaining that death isn’t final. He said that He was “going to prepare a place for them”, v.3. Then Thomas blurted out: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (v.5) Jesus was on a completely different level when He answered: “I am the Way…” (v.6) Jesus talked about purpose, not feelings and about destiny rather than temporary desires. His death had meaning, and it was only by shedding His blood could He provide eternal life for all those who believed in Him. If Jesus’ death did not happen, then death is to be feared, for it is eternal separation. Still this discourse was going over the top of the heads of the disciples, as Philip asked: “Show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (v.8) Being a little irritated with Philip’s lack of spiritual understanding, Jesus responded: “…If you have seen me you have seen the Father.” The point being that it was not just to see the Father, but to be with Him for all eternity.
Isn’t this what we all want; that our life with those we love would not end? So, Jesus went to prepare a place for us. Our imagination goes into high gear as we try to guess what kind place that would be. Most use physical, earthly imagery, such as: “A mansion, just over the hilltop”, with streets of gold and the like, or a cabin on the back 40…whatever. Jesus didn’t go into details of what kind of place, but rather talked about where that place would be. He said that where He is we will be also. (v.3) Jesus has provided a place in His presence, and that can be experienced now. Eternal life begins NOW. Jesus is here with us NOW! The Kingdom of Heaven has come to earth, NOW. When Jesus rose from the dead, the power of death was broken. Separation is no more. So, don’t try to imagine the best of earth in Heaven, but rather that Heaven is being in His presence. By placing your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can enter that place now.
Scriptures to meditate on:
John 3.16-17; 14.1-4; Mat. 25.4; 6.9-10; I Cor. 15.45-57; Col. 1.11-23