‘The Lord Jesus has prepared for our eternal future and will graciously provide for our present needs.’
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And 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. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14v1-4 (NIV)
‘Trouble’ comes to us in all kinds of different ways – unexpected change of plans; disappointing news from our doctor; surprising events at work. It seems to live life is to face inevitable trouble. For the disciples their ‘trouble’ was the surprise, disappointment and unexpected news that Jesus was to leave them. The eternal God-man was about to return to his Father, and they were naturally troubled.
Yet Jesus foresees our trouble and brings comfort:
- ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’
There are two reasons:
First: Jesus leaves to prepare for our eternal future: ‘I am going there to prepare a place for you.’ The way of preparation was the cross and his resurrection. Jesus would die for our sin and defeat death for us so that by trusting in him we can be part of his eternal kingdom. A kingdom without any trouble!
Second: Jesus graciously provides for our present needs: ‘I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also maybe where I am.’ As we wait for Jesus to come back it implies that he will keep us through every trouble we face until he comes again. He remains present with us and comforts us by his Spirit.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that you know all about the troubles and concerns we face. Thank you that you have prepared for our future destiny and that you graciously provide for our present needs. Help us in our troubles to trust your words of promise and to experience your comfort as we walk in obedient faith.