We had called in advance and reserved a table for four at the restaurant. However, upon our arrival, there was no table reserved for us. In the confusion of the busy night and the packed crowd, our message didn't get through. There were no reservations.
Wouldn't that be disappointing on judgment day?
Disappointing, of course, isn't the right word for it. It would be sheer terror if our names weren't written in the Book of Life!. But if you are a born again God fearing Christian your name will be written there. But Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus made sure of that. He took away our sins. He did everything necessary to accomplish our salvation and make sure our "reservations" were made for us. We won't have to stand in line before God's throne wondering if our names are on God's list. Christ's death and resurrection assure us that God's arms will be opened wide as he welcomes us into the bliss of heaven. There's nothing to keep us out. Thank God for that, Jesus made it possible.
Jesus comforts his disciples with this passage. Had he not prepared them ahead of time, they might have become disillusioned after he ascended into heaven. But he wasn't going to desert them. The fact was that his job on earth was done, his mission accomplished. The purpose of his departure was to make ready the place where he could welcome them permanently. What pure comfort that gives the children of God----them and us!
Jesus has a room "reserved" just for us in his Father's house. The Greek word means "dwelling place, room, abode." Personally, I like the King James' rendering of "mansion." That leaves a nice picture in my head. The point is that there is a place for us in heaven. Jesus gives us that guarantee. He should know. He purchased it----with his life. That's an expensive price. That's an expensive place----held on reserve just for us! When you think of it in those terms, our home in heaven is the most expensive place anywhere.Jesus has it all ready. He's just waiting for our arrival.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, thank you for purchasing and preparing a place for us in heaven. We anxiously await the day when we can move in.
Amen.
THE LORD BLESS THEE, AND KEEP THEE;
THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON THEE, AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO THEE;
THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON THEE, AND GIVE THEE PEACE Author Unknown