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In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2
D.L. MOODY
What has been, and is now, one of the strongest feelings in the human heart? Is it not to find some better place, some lovelier spot, than we now have? It is for a place of rest that men everywhere are seeking, and they can have it if they will; but instead of looking down, they must look up to find it. As men grow in knowledge, they vie with each other more and more in making their homes attractive, but the brightest home on Earth is but an empty barn compared with the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare.
ERWIN LUTZER
Although Jesus conquered death, it is still our enemy. It ruptures relationships. It brings tears. It brings loneliness. It brings heartache. This side of the curtain—mystery? Yes! Fear? Yes! If we are unsure what lies on the other side, we know it could be worse than what we’re experiencing right now.
But the good news is that the Bible sheds some light as to what we can expect when we die. Jesus has the “keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18) and stands ready to welcome those who belong to Him into their heavenly home. Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us, and He promised to return to receive us to Himself (John 14:2–3).
Paul, facing the prospect of death, longed to “depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). When Stephen was being stoned, he saw Jesus in heaven, standing, ready to welcome him (Acts 7:55).
As for those who do not trust Christ, the prospect of death is terrifying. On the other side is outer darkness, weeping and wailing. A terrifying eternal existence. Knowing Christ makes the difference.
PRAYER
Father, thank you that Jesus has opened heaven’s door for me. Help me to live in light of eternity.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What goes through your mind when you think of eternity with God?In light of the promises of Christ, why can you approach death without fear?