Far and Away
Some days it seems that the hope of heaven is far and away. That is probably what he disciples felt like when Jesus spoke to them in the Book of John – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2) Immediately the classic response comes from the doubter of the bunch…Thomas! The one who is suspicious of everything and continues to want more proof in each case presented by Christ. It is as though he was saying out loud ‘You are going far and away from us’…show us the way that we may follow! Jesus continues in His verbal explanation that He is the way, the truth, and the life… (John 14:6) The wonder of this statement wraps up the New Testament in a very understandable principle of hope, embracing truth. Having been with Jesus for all those years the disciples were still contemplating just where Jesus was going and also how He verbalized spiritual concepts to them. Actually, He was speaking what the Father was speaking to Him and if they witnessed His life at all they saw the Father. (John 14:7-11)
The unique and intriguing value of this scripture is that it speaks to every Christian about the hope of heaven and the grace that is shown in every life. The question that arises in every heart is just how far away are the mansions and the glory of heaven? This existence of such a wondrous place is not just an after thought but a real place created for God’s children. Anyone that would have been there with Christ Jesus during His promise of the journey and invitation would have pondered the words spoken. Jesus made it clear that we know the way to heaven… It does not take a GPS or a Google search to find that place. Neither will you need to make phone calls to ask directions. What it takes to get to heaven is faith in Christ and true repentance. (John 13:36) The knowledge of His promise and the expectation of His fullness in the life of the believer is absolutely phenomenal to the character of every person of God. The dynamics of the hope that is presented in this scripture is sure to cause even the most inquisitive mind to search out an answer to the simplicity of salvation. Having he knowledge of the Word does not bring you into the relationship you need to draw heaven closer to your soul. The “key’ is to draw close to God and He will draw close to you… (James 4:8; James 5:8) Keeping in step with the life that God has given you will lead you into the Throne of Grace daily where you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in your time of need…(Hebrews 4:16)
Spiritually speaking and conceptually embracing, heaven is just a prayer away. In principle and factually heaven is a far away as you want it be. Come unto Jesus and heaven is close and the peace of Christ is in your heart… Stand afar off from Him and deny His position and existence and heaven is far and away… Choose this day whom you will serve… (Joshua 24:15) Don’t be a stranger to God but be His child through the Spirit of Adoption… (Romans 8:15) and know that heaven is close and at the end of your journey… (Hebrews 11:7-10)
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.