There's No Place Like Home

I'm sitting in my den enjoying the beauty of a late-season snow. The falling snow and the white blanket outside my window offer a pretty picture but I'm happy to be sitting inside right now. In John 14:2, Jesus promises those who trust in Him all the comforts of home. He says, "In my Father's house are many rooms." To His followers, who are anxious about His departure, this would come as welcome news. Perhaps you, too, are anxious and could use a reminder of what Christ offers those who place their trust in Him. As we explore a few of these realities of our future home, think about how you feel (or long to feel) when you settle down in your home. Home means security: I feel safe at home. I don't worry about the unknown. In our eternal home we'll feel safe and secure. Home means provision: At home I can grab clothes out of my closet, food out of my fridge or tools out of my shed. I can find books on my shelves and water from my faucet. In Heaven we'll have everything we need for life and joy. Home means permanence: Unlike a hotel room, I won't live out of a suitcase. I'll will be able to settle down and settle in. And I'll never have to worry about mortage payments (or foreclosures)because Jesus has paid it off in full. That is one part of what it means when He said, "I am going to prepare a place for you." (v. 2) Home means peace: There's something nice about just sinking in to my couch and enjoying the peace of being home. Sometimes it's not peace and quiet (like right now), but it's peace nonetheless. We'll have eternal peace with God and peace with others in our future home. Home means rest: I come home at the end of the day when I'm done working. In Heaven we'll have things to do but the toil of work here will be over. We'll be serving our King out of love. Home means family: Those I love the most are here with me at home. This, too, is a gracious glimpse of our eternal home. We'll be surrounded by those we love and those who love us. Home means being with Jesus: This is the best part of what Jesus told His disciples in John 14. He told them (and us), "I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (v. 3) We'll be forever in the prsence of our Savior! Not only is this the greatest blessing of Heaven, it's what Jesus wants. He longs to live in intimate relationship with us and He offers that to those who trust in Him. From Grace, George.