In John 14, Jesus comforts and encourages His Disciples regarding His upcoming departure from them. In verses 1 – 4, Jesus specifically addresses God’s provision of “rooms” in Heaven for believers:  

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.”

As Jesus was about to face the agony of the cross and a brutal death, He reassured His followers that He would prepare a room for them. This Scripture came alive for our family this past week as my mother-in-law, Delores, passed away after short stays at the hospital and a Hospice House. My wife Julie shared a brief  conversation she had with her mother just a few days before her passing. Delores was asking where she was. It was the same hospice facility one of Delores’ friends (Kathy) was at before she passed. Julie and her mom had gone to visit her a few years earlier:

Delores:  “Oh, where we went to sit with Kathy. So I’m not here to get better. I’m here to die.”

Julie:  “Yes, Mom.” (Julie’s mom smiled at that.)

Delores: “My body is wearing out.” 

Julie: “Yes, your body is tired. Jesus is getting your room ready and pretty soon, He’ll say, ‘Ok, Delores, it’s time.’” 

Delores: “I’ll see Jesus.”

Delores was ready to go and we are grateful to have spent a few days with her as a family “face to face” at the Hospice House before she went to her eternal home. In the days of this pandemic so many are dying and dying alone. For believers in Jesus Christ, we are never alone; because of His finished work on the cross, we can be encouraged and confident that He has gone before us and has prepared a place for each one.