You’re Not Home Yet: The Eternal Promise of Jesus in John 14

We continue to contemplate eternity in our daily devotionals, so today we reflect on what it will be like to go to the home Jesus has prepared for us—a home with Him.

¹"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. ²"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. ³"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3).

Coming home has a special significance. Everyone knows the feeling of returning after being away—whether from vacation, work, or other reasons—to a place that feels familiar. We are greeted by sounds, smells, and sights that welcome us back into our daily environment. This feeling of being at home is very comforting. We even describe certain relationships as feeling "at home," meaning that the person helps us relax and be ourselves, just as we do at home. Around the world, many have been forced to leave their families, homes, countries, and everything they cherish. Everyone deserves a place of rest, a place to call home. Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples He would prepare a place for us—a home unlike any other. The homes we live in now, whether simple or luxurious, will be overshadowed by what God has prepared for His followers.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).

The story of an elderly missionary couple, the Morrisons, recounts their return to America after dedicating their lives to missionary work in Africa. On the same ship was Teddy Roosevelt, the then-president of the United States, returning from an African safari. In New York, bands and parades welcomed Teddy as his transatlantic liner arrived. Crowds and media gathered to catch a glimpse of Teddy finally returning home. The Morrisons felt sadness as they left the port that day, having only enough money for a modest apartment. Henry felt dejected observing the grand welcome given to Teddy Roosevelt. He told his wife that something seemed wrong, especially since they had dedicated 40 years to Christian missionary work and no one was there to greet them. His wise wife advised him to pray to the Lord about it. Later, Henry returned with a smile, having been reminded by the Lord, "You are not home yet, Henry."

If you ever feel tired of this life, remember, "You're not home yet." Likewise, if you become comfortable and focus solely on enjoying life's pleasures, think of this: there is more beyond. This world is not your everlasting home; this life is temporary. If you have placed your trust in Christ, the time will come when the Lord calls for us, and we will pull up our tent pegs and collapse the tent, either at departure from the body (death) or when our Master and Lord returns for us according to His promise. Paul the Apostle wrote:

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

What does John 14:2 mean by "Many Mansions"? Maybe you'd like to write a comment below.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the hope we have in Christ and for His coming so that we may have eternal life at home with You. Keith Thomas

Continue Your Journey

This devotional is part of our series, Insights into Eternity. If you want to dive deeper into what God has planned for your future, continue to the next lesson: Study 3: What Will Your Resurrection Body Look Like?