Jesus said to His disciples, “
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
Today as I read those words I understand it anew. The preparation and how it is proof of the return. Proof of His coming to bring us to where He is.
You see, a year ago we had our home study for our adoption. A home study is a study that is done through multiple interviews about the people and their pasts as well as a physical inspection of the house they live in. This is to see if they are a safe place for a child as well as have the means available to provide for the new child.
Last year we had just moved into our house and it was a wreck as we had to gut the whole basement and tear out parts of the upstairs. It was a mess. And yet we were determined to have it ready for the home study. Matthew and I worked after he got home until late in the nights working on projects. Family and friends came over and helped us. We were preparing for our daughter.
One of the requirements was that we have a room for our daughter. And while it is currently serving as our guestroom it is
her room. I have all her things in there. Little gifts from loved ones. Clothes I can’t help buying. A pink stuffed rabbit I purchased many, many years ago for my unknown daughter. A picture from an orphanage in China– the hand-prints, footprints, and wheelchair marks of children waiting for their homes. Little yellow baby shoes. It is
her room.
The preparation of the house, and of preparing her a room is proof of our love for her. Proof that when the time is right we will go and bring her into our arms and family–that where she is, we will also be. She won’t be alone again.
My preparation for our daughter makes me hear Jesus’ words in my heart. Do you hear them in yours?
He says, “I have worked with love and tenderness on your own special place. Each flower I planted, and wall I crafted was done with you in mind. Each labor of love was done so that when you come home with Me, you will be able to see that all along I was loving you and waiting for the perfect time to bring you home with me. You will never be alone again.”
Jesus’ love amazes me. It makes my heart stutter with unbelief. Yet, as surely as I am preparing a room for our daughter so Jesus is preparing a room for me. And for you.
