The game of “Peek-a-boo” is fairly simple and one that almost every child enjoys. But it is also an essential game in the development of an infant. One of the stages in the development of a child is a stage where the child learns to trust in the absence of a parent. The child must reach that point where he or she knows that the parent will go away, but will return. “Peek-a-boo” lays that groundwork.
Today’s passage is a wonderful expression of assurance and hope offered by Jesus. How can the disciples avoid worry, according to verse 1? What image of heaven is given? How do we know it’s true? Why is a place being prepared?
Today’s Scripture is read at almost every funeral and, so, I have read it dozens of times. As I read this passage this time two things struck me. The first was that this passage is part of the time together in the Upper Room. This is was not something spoken in a void, some pithy non sequitur that resonates with each of us.
This was part of a lengthy conversation and time of intimacy with those closest to Jesus. He was spending this last meal with them, this type of farewell dinner with his followers. Jesus knew he was leaving and he knew the disciples would have a difficult time without him. But he also knew they had to trust they would see him again.
His words were meant to keep the focus, not on the separation, but on the return. They should keep their hearts set not on their sorrow, but on the joy of the reunion. Jesus wanted to give comfort.
And that is the second thing. It is not important to me what heaven looks like. I don’t care if it is puffy clouds, flying angels, streets of gold or lots of mansions. What is important is that we will be there because Jesus wants us there. God wants to be with us for eternity. Jesus said, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
We each may experience physical and emotional challenges in life. We each may need to confront our own mortality. But we each must remember that although there are times when we feel God is absent, He is with us. Jesus will return to get us and gather us to himself, because he wants us to be with him.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What causes you the most fear or worry? Pray that Jesus will give comfort in that situation.
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