In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 HCSB
I don’t know about you, but sometimes life on planet earth gets to be a bit much. We suffer here because of the sins of our ancestors. It started back with Adam and Eve. Had sin never entered into our existence, we would be living a heavenly life here on earth. This is how God meant it to be, but He gave us free will and well the rest is history.
For this reason, we suffer illness and bodily injuries. We live in an imperfect world where there is hatred and strife and all kinds of evil. I could sit around and complain about that, or I could just focus on the place God has promised to those who trust in Him and obey His commands. In our Scripture passage for today, Jesus is telling His disciples about heaven.
1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’-“. In Revelation 21:4 it says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
God created us to be in close fellowship with Him, but He gave us a choice. We are born with a sinful nature, but God has provided a way for us to be saved. He gave His Son to die on the cross, so that His blood may wash our sins away. His Son provided the salvation we need to get to heaven. This is a free gift offered to us while we are still sinners. We can accept it or reject it.
It is important that we remember Philippians 3:20 which says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord, Jesus Christ.” We are just passing through here on earth. The pain and the heartaches we face here are temporary. We have a permanent citizenship in heaven, if we accept Christ as our Savior.
Our former pastor used to say if we go to hell, we will go as trespassers.
We all have that place. That place where we feel safe, and we are comforted by just being there. But our true place of safety and comfort is in Jesus Christ. We are told in Psalms 91:1-2 if we choose to live in the shelter God provides, we will abide in His shadow. He will be our refuge and our fortress.
I know a place. It’s a place where we can all find safety, comfort and unending peace and joy. That place is in heaven with God our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I also know how to get there. Admit that you’re a sinner, believe in Jesus Christ and the work He did on the cross to save you from your sins. Confess your sins to Him and accept Him as your Savior. Receive Him into your life and live your life in trust and obedience to Him.
There are people who are not going to be allowed into this perfect place. We don’t have to be perfect to get there, but we have to do our best not to be excluded. We are told in Revelation 21:8 that the cowards, the vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will not go to heaven, but will go to the lake that burns with fire. The cowards refer to those who were ashamed of Jesus here on earth or were too afraid publicly profess their love for Him.
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” To get to this place we have to follow Jesus. We should want to take as many as we can with us.
I have discovered that place and I want you to join me. Trust in Him today, love Him with all your heart and obey His commands and let’s meet there some glorious day.
Have a great day!