Jesus Speaks Assurance
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” In the hour darkened by the shadow of the cross, Judas’ treachery and Peter’s denial, Jesus speaks words of sublime peace. How like Jesus to focus on the fears of His followers rather than addressing His own needs.
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.” An old gospel song says, “I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop…” Are there really mansions in heaven? Jesus promised it, and then reassured that if it were not true, He would never have made such a promise. It is worth noting that there are many mansions. Room enough for an innumerable group like that described in Revelation. A diverse group of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages will be there. There is more than ample room for all the redeemed. It is also interesting to think about the preparation process. Christ prepares the place in heaven for His own, and the Holy Spirit prepares the redeemed on earth for their place in heaven.
“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.” Having given assurance of peace, assurance of a place, Jesus promises a personal return. Expressing the very essence of God, He says that it is so we can be with Him, and He with us. Such is the love of our Savior, and the longing of His heart.
Many things are beyond us, especially concerning the future and Christ’s return. Like Thomas, we say, Lord, we don’t know. Assurance comes again in Jesus’ words. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
-Terry Morrison