SCRIPTURE: John 14:1-4
“My Father’s house has many rooms.” (John 14:2, NIV)
“In my Father’s house are many mansions.” (John 14:2, KJV)
This old version makes it sound like we will all live in palaces.
The actual Greek word is a form of the word ‘to remain, stay’.
A place to remain, a place to stay.
In God’s household (or family), there is lots of room for everyone.
Jesus has shown us this welcoming, accepting, forgiving love of God.
The ‘way’ to this ‘place’ is not a roadmap to a geographical location.
What is the ‘way’ to my being accepted by someone I have hurt?
It is the love of the person I’ve offended, and my willingness to say sorry.
The ‘way’ to God is His response to us (as seen in Jesus).
The ‘way’ to God is our response to Him (as seen in repentance and faith).
This is why Jesus later says “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4)
This could be translated ‘be at home in me, as I also at home in you.”
I believe we will live in the new restored creation, like Adam and Eve were made to.
But what makes this ‘house’ a ‘home’ is the love of God and Jesus.
I’m not looking for a mansion in the sky, but to be in loving fellowship with God.
“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home (same word) with them.” (John 14:23)
The nice thing is, we don’t have to wait until we die to move in.
Right now, this very moment, I can be at home in Him, for He is at home in me!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, if it wasn’t for You we would be homeless. Strengthen my spirit within, that I may sense Your presence in my heart. My heart, your home.
Observations/Application
Home is where the heart is.
Home is a safe place. Home is safety, security, welcoming, embracing, happiness, joy, peace, etc. Remember the ‘prodigal’ son?
To be with jesus is all that. He has told us that He is . . . The Way – The Truth – The Life!
To be with Jesus is to be at home and He has prepared our place for us. He is there for us and what He has taught us will direct us and guide us all of our Days because He has given His Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide to lead us on our Way to be with Him always.
No greater comfort do we have have than to put our hand in the Hand of the Father Who leads and Guides us every step of the Way. What joy and happiness there will be when we finally arrive ‘home.’
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.