Make Yourself at Home

     Please read John 14:1-14.  In this farewell discourse Jesus is exposing glimpses of his future. He is preparing the disciples and in doing so we sense tension.  They have just heard that Jesus will be betrayed.  And Jesus responds, “Don’t be unnerved, trust me.”  Amid the uncertainty they hear Jesus confidently tell them about a secure future.  This is a lesson of let go and let God!

Jesus begins saying, “Don’t be troubled, a place is prepared for you.” Church, Heaven far exceeds anything we can imagine.  It is the Lord’s holy dwelling.  And while we can’t comprehend its brilliance and grandeur, scripture offers some magnificent descriptors. Heaven is a place of joy, where there are no tears, and a place without confusion. A place with angels and song; a place of rest and the joy of serving God without fatigue.      

     Jesus says, “in heaven there are many mansions” and I try to imagine the scene.  I picture him reading the room, confronted with confused looks, He bolsters the claim by saying, “if it were not so, I would have told you.”  He’s trying to convince the doubtful.  Even with the years spent together, the disciples are befuddled.  We know so much more than the disciples - yet at times walking by faith remains our challenge.  Sometimes our situation does not make sense, and we are summoned to muster up our faith, trust God, and believe.  Leaving no stone unturned, he continues to expose them to the future, addressing their anxiety and promising a prepared and welcoming place.  Let that soak in…in God’s timing, there is a space prepared with Jesus just for you!

     Following the promise, we hear Thomas’ doubt.  He is unsure of the way and Jesus responds, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Assuming there’s some headway, Philip chimes in, asking Jesus to show them proof.  They struggle to believe without seeing, their faith is wavering – and Jesus remains patient-talking them through it.  At times we find ourselves in a similar place.  

     They had not yet witnessed God’s love revealed at the cross or the power of God at the resurrection.  They wanted something tangible.  They challenged Jesus and Jesus seemed to muddy the water talking about Trinity.  He says, “You see Me, you see the Father.”  Church, Jesus’ words were not enough.  Philip needed evidence.  Point blank he asks, “Are not my words or the miracles you witnessed enough?”  He beseeches them to believe.  I believe those questions are posed to us too, “Don’t you believe?  Isn’t all I [Jesus] have done enough to have you trust me?”  We have that knowledge and still may be finding ourselves looking for God – blind while in full view.  Just because we don’t get it our way does not mean God is not present, does not mean God does not care. God knows best, God knows everything. We see a small piece and God knows the whole story.   This was a necessary conversation. He is God and living life understanding that affords the disciples and us, comfort and clarity, albeit it’s a journey to ascertain.

     Take a moment…invite Jesus into the nooks and crannies and the hiding places of your heart.  Expose your fears and worries, submit to Him.  Ask for His help.  As the trust in God rises, peace will fill your heart.  We need to remain in communication through prayer, and submit to God’s will or we will find ourselves asking once again, “Where am I going?” 

     In verses 13 and 14, we receive an invitation to pray, an expectation to align with God’s will.  While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the Father, “If possible, let this cup pass from me.”  He was trying to avoid the pain of the crucifixion.  He wondered if it could be done another way?  Yet, Jesus followed it up saying, “Not as I will but as you will.”  May our prayers model Jesus’ prayer, “Thy will be done.” 

     Sometimes we hope for a different outcome.  We struggle to understand why our wants are not met.  We may even question God.  Today, I challenge us to trust God.  God’s plan is different; God’s timing is perfect.  God is sovereign and faithful.  Church, as we trust Him, really trust Him, our fear is relieved.  And then, we will have peace and comfort.  

     Friends, we worship the living, risen Christ, present and at work in us and with us today and always.  We live on the other side of the resurrection. We are blessed with the knowledge of life in Christ.  Let’s forge a relationship like David did (read Psalm 31).  Let’s spend time in prayer – speaking and listening, and often enough to get to know God’s character so the conversation is deep and personal.  

     As we value God’s intense love demonstrated through Christ’s resurrection, may we seek God’s strength so that we are moved to continue the work of Jesus here on earth through the guidance of the Spirit until we get where we are going.  We don’t have to be unsettled; we have to ask God to help us to take Him at His word!  And all God’s people say, amen! 

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry  

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