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268. The Groom's Promised Home

John 14:1-4
Key Verse: "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."
John 14:3

Well, I bet that by now, you know where this is headed. We hear this passage so often in funerals to give us hope for eternity. You should know by now, however, that this is actually a part of the betrothal agreement. The intended bride has accepted the cup from the hand of the groom. They have drunk of it together, pledging their commitment to one another. Now, the groom must go to prepare a place, for He and His intended, to enjoy their marriage week together. He leaves her behind, in the care of her family, as He goes forth, to His father's home, to prepare the place.

Some of us may be more familiar with the King James version of this passage which says, "many mansions." In our western, capitalistic society, that may be appealing. "Wow! When I get to heaven, I will have a mansion all to myself!" I believe that "rooms," or a "room," or "place," is more accurate, especially knowing what we know about the marriage customs of Jesus’ day. There will be room enough for all of us, but we will all be together, in one place, as His bride.

Sadly, He is leaving us behind for now.  He knows that many of us will find ourselves in a hostile environment and He will deal with that issue later on. However, since we have accepted His cup, His pledge to us, we trust that he will keep his promise to return to us to bring us to the new home that He is preparing for us.

Just as in Jesus' day, the bridegroom's coming was a surprise, heralded by the fanfare of the groomsmen, so Christ's return for His bride will be a surprise. Nevertheless, He has promised to come for us and His promise is sure and sound. Our job is to be ready when He does appear.

Hymn: "How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place"

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place 




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