Planning a family holiday as an adult and a parent is highly stressful!
During a recent trip to the
Drakensberg, we had to find accommodation for thirteen people at fairly short notice. After booking a place that claimed to be able to accommodate us, we naturally had our doubts. Would there be enough space for all of us? Would someone have to sleep on a couch? Or even worse, in their car?
Lo and behold, we arrived in the ‘Berg’
and were greeted with two large rooms that our large group of raucous guests could easily fit into.
Jesus uses a similar image here.
In our limited human
comprehension, we may wonder how God’s home will possibly have enough space for all who are supposedly welcomed into it. The disciples seem anxious about where Jesus is going and whether they will be able to follow him.
Jesus assures his disciples that his Father’s house has many rooms and lots of space. This promise is
made to assure his disciples that, although he is going away, it will be for their benefit. He won’t forget them and won’t abandon them.
These words of Jesus are often used at funeral services. We can understand why. We often can’t see the way ahead, and we need to know that there is a way into the unknown future and that we can find it.
Jesus’ words remind us that he goes ahead of us into the unknown and invites us to join him in this beautiful, expansive place with many rooms and space for everyone.
Do you have concerns about
the uncertainty of the future?
Are you afraid of traversing the mountains and valleys of life and death alone?
What might Jesus’ words be revealing to you today?
Does it help to know that wherever your future leads you, Christ goes before you and with you?
Reflections by Joe Taylor
