"Let not your heart be troubled," Jesus said. "Believe in God, believe also in me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:1-3)
Today's Devotional Scripture
"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct and devotio to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed." (Titus 2:11-13, New Living Translation)
People Need Hope
My "Life of Christ" professor at Great Lakes Christian College must have had Titus 2:11-13 in mind when he made our class memorize and recite John 14:1-3. It was many years ago and at the time it seemed strange to select three verses from John to memorize out of all the words of Jesus recorded in The Bible.
It seems more logical now, because I've learned that people need hope. They thrive on the promise of a great future. They've gone through enough hardships and pain to know that nothing in this world will provide permanent satisfaction.
Jesus Explains the Future to Thomas (and us)
But there is an eternal residence for those who place their faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus tells His disciples before His arrest, torture and crucifixion: "Stop worrying! Believe in Me and God the Father who sent me. I am going on a trip to prepare a permanent residence for you. It's going to be ginormous! And I will come back to get you, so I can take you there."
A disciple named Thomas, who could represent any one of us today, listens to Jesus' words and responds: "Wait a minute! Where are you going? I want the GPS coordinates! Without a map loaded on our cell phones, we won't be able to find it!"
Jesus explains to Thomas and the others disciples: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
There's the Catch
Do we really know Jesus?
Later in John 14 Jesus connects knowing and loving Him and God the Father with obedience. It is part of the message the Apostle Paul is delivering to Titus in today's devotional scripture.
If we really want to look forward to the return of Christ and celebrate the event where we see God in all His glory, then we must be obedient to divine direction. We also need to exercise self-control, be an effective witness for Jesus and remain focused on God.
A number of people' like me, are preparing for Easter Sunday. We are looking forward with great expectations. For as Paul says in Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace that saved me. Help me to be self-controlled and walk in a way that pleases you. I long for your glory to be revealed. In the name of Jesus who will return according to your divine timetable. Amen.
The tag on Twitter for this article is #lookimgforward and it is logged by @denimartin. You can also comment on this article or send me an email at deni-martin@att.net.
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