John 14:1-7
Where we happen to be born, who our parents were, and our material wealth, all make a difference, even for this short stay on earth. But no matter how long we may live, its brevity is emphasized in scripture as being like a mist, or grass that withers and is burned. In reality, it is simply a time granted to us to prepare for the reality of endless time hereafter. We have this time to prepare, not with material things, but Spiritually. All people are equal there. I think of it as being something like the rondavels we used to use while we were attending African Church conferences. When the children were small, and where they were available, we hired these small buildings very similar to those our African brethren often built for themselves. They consisted of a concrete floor, a circular wall with a metal or thatched roof, There was only one door, and perhaps a window. The only furnishings would be two metal cots, a small table and two chairs. Clearly, they were not really meant for lengthy stays. That is what our stay here on earth is like; long enough to prepare for eternity, but not necessarily comfortable.
(John 14:27, John 16:22, John 16:24)
2 In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
I realize that most more modern translations do not use the word “mansions.” They carry more the impression of rooms or perhaps, apartments. Probably that is more accurate, but I prefer mansions, for God probably makes them appropriately beautiful as he did the New Jerusalem described in Revelation. I think of them as more beautiful than anything we see here on earth. Just reading this text makes me want to say, “Book me one for eternity! Now!” Afterall, I might not have a chance tomorrow. Tomorrow is not even promised, only “now!”
(John 13:22, John 13:36)
3 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.
Did you ever book a holiday destination? Remember, how hard it was to wait. Once booked, you want to go now. Our brother Jesus has booked the place and is even now preparing it so everything will be absolutely perfect. We have all looked at the pictures of Holiday Resorts, with beautiful beaches and longed to be there, just for a few days. These mansions are for ever and with every care laid on. Our Doctor has insisted that we need to go to “assisted living” where a small bedroom, and tiny kitchenette, was offered to us for $70 per day each, and extra charges for anything above the very basic. Of course, we said, “No, thanks.” Heaven has no charges, angelic service, and not a thing to complain about. We are happy just to be booked. How about you? Forget what the doctor said.
(John 14:18, John 14:28, John 12:26)
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Finding something in a big city can be a problem. We had to call AAA for a tow a few years back, when the car just stopped in the middle lane of a six lane major highway in Dallas. I praised the Lord when strong young men dashed up to hand push us off the road. All our lives were at risk until we were safely in the parking lot of a mall we happened to be beside. Those young men looked like angles to this old man. The tow truck gave us a ride home, and every turn was anticipated and spoken to us by his navigator, which he ignored as he knew exactly where we were going. We know our spiritual way home, but we dare not improvise. God has spoken the way to us in his Word, and he expects us to follow that way. (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:35-39.)
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
(John 11:16)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
That tow driver went his own way, but make note of that, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - Jesus.
(John 10:9, Romans 5:2, Romans 2:18, Hebrews 10:20, John 1:14, John 1:4, John 11:25, 1 John 5:20)
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Jess made it very clear, there just is no other way than through Him. Ignore Him, and you will not find your way there.
(John 8:19, 1 John 2:13, John 6:46)
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN THIS YEAR
MAY
19th Sunday - 1 Samuel 10, 11, John 11:28-57, Psalm 64
20th Monday - 1 Samuel 12, 13, John 12:1-22, Proverbs 12:14-28
21st Tuesday - 1 Samuel 14, John 12:23-50, Psalm 65
22nd Wednesday - 1 Samuel 15, 16, John 13, Psalm 66:1-10
23rd Thursday - 1 Samuel 17, John 14, Psalm 66:11-20
24th Friday - 1 Samuel 18, 19, John 15, Proverbs 13:1-12
25th Saturday - 1 Samuel 20, John 16, Psalm 67
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THE LINK TO OUR CHRISTIAN BLOGS
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob, blogspot.com
or simply search for
<Searching the Scriptures with Bob>
and follow the links!
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MEMORY VERSE
“Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed thee in the mount.”
Hebrews 8:5
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HUMOR
An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation.
As he was about to get the anesthesia, he asked to speak to his son.
“Yes, What is it Dad?”
“Don’t be nervous son; do your best and just remember, if it doesn’t go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come live with you and your wife.”
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REMEMBER ALWAYS, “GOD LOVES YOU.”
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