Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 23, 2015

Today’s Scripture Promise:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. 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 14:1–3).

Today’s Observation:

At a time when Jesus knew that He would soon be betrayed into the hands of His enemies, He encouraged His disciples in many ways. In spite of the fact that already He knew that all of them would forsake Him, He was still dedicated to His love for them. He spoke with tenderest care, after alerting them that their faith was not as strong as they thought. He spoke of His departure, not as a sad event, but as an encouragement to be faithful and believe in Him.

I am sure that when Jesus spoke of the betrayals, and His departure, they became sad and confused. He could have left them in that state, but He didn’t. Instead, He lifted their attention heavenward. He told them not to be discouraged because they have hope in God. He shared that when all was said and done with His work on earth, He would return to glory, and prepare a place for them. He spoke of plenty of room signifying His intent to save many. I find an incredible promise in His simple statements.

If Jesus said that He was preparing a place for them, He was promising them the power to remain faithful so that they could one day, occupy their place in heaven. There was no need to argue about who should be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus was promising to get things ready for them in heaven, and then come back to get them.

Think of a mother and father who have been expecting the birth of their child for nine months. They buy the softest most beautiful bedding in the colors that represent their love and anticipation of their new arrival. They select cute baby clothes and shoes. Their minds are enraptured thinking about the glorious day when that baby will come home. Their hearts leap with joy and anticipation. Do you think that with all of the preparations they have made for the baby to come home, that they will change their minds and leave the baby at the hospital or on the front steps of the house? Of course not! If it is hard to imagine new parents doing that, how much more difficult is it to picture our heavenly Father leaving His faithful followers here, after He has prepared for so long, to receive us unto Himself?

Jesus gave Himself as our substitute on the cross. He died the death that we deserved. He rose again and went to heaven to intercede for us, while preparing a place for us to live with Him. Be encouraged. He did not do all of this for naught. He fully intends to rescue His children so we may live with Him forever. Let not your heart be troubled. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready to meet Him?

Today’s Marching Orders:

Try this little exercise today: Whenever you are preparing for anything at all; whether it be to have breakfast, go to work, exercise, get your car washed, vacation, etc., imagine you are preparing for the Second Coming. Ask God to help you to see His coming as a real event. Ask Him to help you prepare even more diligently that you do for the mundane activities in your daily routine.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)