Consider the following four passages from the New Testament. The Preparations of the Savior (John 14:1-6). He left this earth to “prepare a place” for His disciples. Jesus contrasted the common, single room house of the time with a house containing many abiding places. He would do all this (go, come again and receive) so that we could dwell or remain with Him forever, that where our Savior is we may be also.
The Reservations for the Faithful (1 Peter 1:3-5). God has made reservations for you! Where? In the beautiful place called heaven (cf. Colossians 1:5). This reservation is eternal life with God in the home He has prepared for the church of God. It is going to last; it simply does not fade away.
A City Prepared by God Himself (Hebrews 11:13-16). These men of faith confessed that this was not their final place of abode. “They were strangers and pilgrims” (v. 13). People who speak and live that way proclaim clearly that they are longing for and looking for a homeland (v. 14). “They desire a better, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (v. 16).
“God Himself will be with them” (Revelation 21:3-4, 7). In heaven, we will dwell eternally with the God of heaven. Think about it. We will be in His awesome and holy presence (v. 3). God will be there to wipe away every tear from every eye. Because of this, there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. Why? “For the former things of this life have passed away” (v. 4). God will be our God, and we will be His children (v. 7).
One of the greatest expressions of love is willingness to be around someone, particularly for long periods of time. Take two people who have lived together in marriage for forty years. You can tell that they love each other because they have spent their entire lives being around each other. When you really love someone, you will want to spend time with him or her. You enjoy his or her company and companionship.
Now, think about the way God expressed His love for us. He sent His Son to die a horrific death on a cross so that we might live with Him. Moreover, not just live with Him, but live forever with Him! Christ left heaven and laid down His dear life for me that He might take me to glory to be ever in His presence (Hebrews 2:9-10).
Are you ready to meet Him when He comes again to take His faithful children home forever? What must I do to be prepared you ask? One must follow His authority in obedience to His clear commands (Colossians 3:17). “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be immersed in the name [or by the authority] of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Then, “if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7; cf. 8-10).
Consider this: Deity wants me to be with Him. The God who made this detailed and vast universe, the One who has all wisdom, power and knowledge desires that I come and live with Him forever and ever! He seeks to grant us the everlasting privilege and delight of dwelling in His all-glorious presence. As you go about your day, take a moment and meditate upon that profound thought. Could this be the most profound thought to ever enter and grip the heart of mankind, or to proceed from the mind of the infinite God? Ask yourself, “Am I prepared to live with Him?” (Revelation 22:14-21).
