“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3
December 4, 2024
A factor in choosing the house in which you want to live is “location, location, location.” On the heels of Jesus’ telling Peter that he would deny him three times, the disciples (Jn. 14:1 “Let not your [plural] heart be troubled”) are encouraged to have the forward look. Upward look, if you will. The preparation of a place for them beyond the sunset of life is the location of God’s special place. God is at the same time everywhere and in heaven. Heaven is no apartment complex. It is a place with room to spare for all the redeemed. Suffering weary saints have the promise that Jesus will return and lead all who belong to Him to a place that is beyond description. Such an expectation is to be a driving force in the believer’s outlook on the hardships of life. It is this truth that Richard Baxter’s (1615-1691) soul was set aflame to write The Saints’ Everlasting Rest. Future glory, that’s what should occupy our thoughts. Baxter says, “When you have had a fresh delightful taste of heaven you will not be so easily persuaded from it. You cannot persuade a child to part with his candy while he has the taste in his mouth.” Sure, heaven is much more than candy but you get the picture. Do you know where you are going when you die? Location means everything.
H
“Having our heart in heaven cheers our spirits , renders our suffering far more easy, enables us to bear them with patience and joy…”
Richard. Baxter