Gone to Prepare a Place

A number of us stayed at church after the worship was done to put up decorations for Vacation Bible School. The church was transformed from a traditional appearance to be filled with pictures of fish, divers, dolphins, etc. It looks like an entirely different place. We didn’t get home until about 9 pm. The place looked amazing. Why did we spend all that time? Will there be crowds there? No... just a small number. So, why the effort? Because we wanted those that came to have a wonderful experience. The place was prepared that they might enjoy fully all that was offered. It was going to be their place for the week. Hopefully a week from Sunday, even if it doesn’t look as colorful, they can still see it as their place. There is another place that has been prepared. In John 14:1-3 we read, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Just as we tried to invite many people to our Vacation Bible School, the whole world has the opportunity to enter heaven. What separates who is going and who will be forbidden? It all comes down to faith. Jesus was talking with His disciples, but this promise is for all believers. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It is those that walk with Jesus, that have surrendered to His authority that will be received with open arms. Isn’t that an amazing thought? If you believe, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you in heaven and will return to take you “home”. If someone doesn’t believe, then this is their time to ask the Holy Spirit to draw them closer to God. God doesn’t want anyone to be lost, but we wander from Him. God gives everyone an invitation, but sometimes our love for the world is great. Do you have friends that may not know Jesus? Talk with them. Invite them to join you in worship. The church was decorated, but next week Vacation Bible School will be done. God has prepared a place for believers, but if we wait too long to live for Jesus, we may die alone. Remember, the world is not our home, we are just passing through. Father, put someone’s name on my heart to pray for, to encourage, to share the gospel with, and to worship with. Amen