2 “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? 3 “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.” John 14:2-3.
This past weekend we did a lot of driving, we needed to stop one night to get a room because we just couldn’t drive any longer. We quickly scoped out something online that was a good rate (under $100 for the night, while hoping for no roaches) and called to make our reservation because though it was hard to tell, the pictures looked decent on the website. Upon arrival and seeing the place, we quickly questioned if the rate the lady gave us over the phone was correct. “It couldn’t be”, we said to one another. “It just couldn’t be!!” We parked and walked in, taking in the beauty of the grounds. A gorgeous golf course was being watered by a fountain sprinkler and the most beautiful, lush, flowering bushes of all colors laid the backdrop. White columns and brick stairs led to the front entrance that opened up to the shiniest white marble floors you’ve ever seen, doors adorned with decorative, golden door knobs, dangling, sparkling chandeliers, wood work that must have been crafted by a very skilled hand lined the very long, carpeted hallways and embellished the high ceilings, a vase of the deepest red roses we’d ever seen stood three feet tall on a round marble topped table that sat in front of an elegant fireplace that held a mantle with flowers in vases that probably cost more than our car, the clearest windows draped with satin floor length curtains framed the green fairway that was skirted by the most shapely trees and perfectly positioned was a gazebo that you’d see as a stage for a princess for her wedding. Our jaws dropped with each step we took. “No way! Maybe we misunderstood her over the phone about how much it will cost.” But, we didn’t so our excitement grew. She proceeded to tell us upon check in about the complimentary driving range access and complimentary breakfast. The next morning we gleefully discovered that it wasn’t just boxed cereal for little people with carton orange juice. No, it was a full spread with eggs and bacon, sausage and hashbrowns in silver warming trays along with a buffet of other yummy stuff. Silverware that was heavier than the full plate, cloth napkins and several different gourmet coffee flavors to choose from. The dining room was stunning with cherry carved woodwork, marble floors and copper tin topped tables next to a grand piano overlooking the immaculate landscaping. Iron tables and chairs with sturdy umbrellas to block the sun dawned a stone patio etched with character. An indoor pool that was built for Olympic swimmers had wicker furniture with cushions that lined the deck along with palm trees that added to the beach like ambiance. Ok, I think you get the point by now. It was NICE and we couldn’t believe it was for us.
It had me Kingdom thinking again, because honestly, that’s where my brain goes with just about every earthly encounter. If this earthly, temporal building can be so nice, I can’t imagine how Heaven will have me in awe. Jesus tells us that he has gone to prepare a room for us in His mansion. When we arrive we will probably not be able to believe that it’s actually something we can afford to stay in, or even something we are worthy of. But upon checking in, Jesus will tell us that the price has already been paid, no security deposit and the most exciting part…no checking out…EVER! He will also tell us that not only are you worthy to stay here but I made it with you specifically in mind. Isn’t that exciting to think about? Our imaginations can not even fathom how beautiful it will be. Beautiful won’t even be enough of an adjective to describe it. How amazing He is that He’s already got a place for us. A place beyond our wildest imaginations and we don’t even have to call ahead to make reservations, He’s already put our name on the list and is anxiously awaiting the day He can say, “welcome home child, welcome home.”
Leah Parkin
August 13, 2017