Be Welcoming 2

John 14:2-3

Our friends had a guest bedroom as part of the floor plans for their new home, and over time they painted and decorated the room, filled it with comfortable furniture and even put in a television set. When we celebrated with them that the room was completed and looked so nice they told us that they had us in mind as they worked on the room.

What a comfort and compliment it was to know that our friends worked so hard just for our comfort. What a sense of welcome we felt when we learned their labors were meant for our benefit.

This passage from John is often read during funeral services to provide a sense of comfort to those who grieve. What does Jesus assure his followers about heaven – his Father’s house? What is Jesus going to do?

Part of our faith is the hope and promise of everlasting life with God. These words in John remind us that Jesus has prepared a place in heaven for all of those whom he loves. He has readied the reward for us, making things just right for our comfort and pleasure.

And with that preparatory work come the logic and promise of what is to come. If Jesus has told us about this place then surely it does exist. If Jesus has prepared this place then he will be returning so we might be gathered up to be in that eternal relationship with God. Jesus desires that we will be with him.

We can take comfort in knowing that our joy and eternal happiness has been considered by our Lord. We can also use this as an example of how we are to behave.

God desires that no one be left out of His eternal glory. God desires to be in a relationship with all people, that all people will choose to accept Jesus as Savior and enter into that love that God has for them. And one avenue for that relationship is the church.

We, as the church of Jesus, must be at work preparing a place for others. We must get ready to welcome those who have not yet come to Christ. Like Jesus we should have a place of warm and comfortable welcome, so that where we are others may be also.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there something you can do to make certain your place of worship is prepared to welcome a visitor?