The Second Floor by Jon Opgenorth

The Second Floor January 13, 2019 Read: John 14:1-7 In my Father’s house are many rooms. (v. 2) Sylvia had lived in Orange City’s new nursing home for a few weeks when her son asked how it was going. “I especially like the second floor.” That was odd since it was a one-story building. “The people are dressed in white and the food tastes amazing!” Maybe it was old age or just a passing dream. Whatever the case, her family received it as a gift of what was to come and peace to endure the final days of her earthly life. In the upper room, Jesus troubled the disciples. “Where I am going you cannot follow me now” (John 13:36). What was he talking about? Fear filled the Passover room. Jesus then gives words I have often shared at funerals to comfort bereaved saints. Jesus pictures life in God’s heavenly home and so much more. Our ears miss the “something more” the disciples understood. Jesus’ language parallels almost exactly the language of marriage in the first century. The groom’s father arranged for a bride, and the two met for a betrothal ceremony. The groom went back to his father’s home to prepare the room for his bride to live with him. He did not know when they would marry. The Father decided the day and gathered trumpeters to announce when the day had come. The groom then ran to get his wife and a week of celebration ensued. Right now, dear saints, Jesus is preparing your room! While we wait, rest assured that he will come again. —Jon Opgenorth As you pray, thank God for preparing a place for you in his Father’s house.