John 14:2 – 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.

I don't want to leave the impression that eternity is only a quality of life. There is quantity to it. There is the hope we have in Christ Jesus. There is the joy of the promised bliss.

Many years ago, a pastor announced a coming message concerning heaven. He received a letter from a dear soul which contained the following words:

Next Sunday you are to talk about heaven. I am interested in that land because I hold a title to a bit of property there. I've held it for over 55 years. I did not buy it… it was given to me without money and without price. The donor purchased it for me for the cost of a tremendous sacrifice.

It is not a vacant lot. For more than a half century I have been sending materials for which the greatest architect and builder of the universe has been building a home for me. This home will never need remodeled or repaired because this home will suit me perfectly. It will never grow old. Termites can never undermine its foundation because it rests upon the rock of ages. Fire cannot destroy it. Floods cannot wash it away.

I hope to hear your sermon, but I have no assurance that I shall be able to do so. My ticket to heaven has not been dated… I may not be here when you are talking next Sunday. I shall meet you there some day.

This person believed Jesus when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you…" This is all part of the gift of the eternal life. It is your gift from Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you for the touch of homesickness for heaven which you have placed in my soul. I am thankful for this hope. Amen.

(From The Ministry of the Master ©1986 by Donald Bartow. Used by permission.)

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author: