My Place

John 14:1-4

“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.”

View a video of the most lavish and expensive house on this planet with all the amenities you could fathom and that structure would probably equate to the outhouse of what Christ is preparing for His kids in Heaven.

In this passage, the word "place" is used three times by Christ. The word that is used does not convey a floating, harp-in-hand, on a cloud, wings on your back, in an ethereal setting for eternity perspective of Heaven or a place in it.

Verse 2 begins by speaking about an oikia (oy kee ah), the original Greek word for a proper residence, an abode, a home - the "Father's house". The second verse also has the word "rooms" or in some translations "mansions" that Jesus describes as fitting inside His Father's House. The original Greek word for "rooms" or "mansions" is mone (mon ay) meaning dwellings or abodes. And from Christ's inference these dwellings are already in existence because He says - My Father’s house has many rooms.

Still in verse two is where we find the first of three times Jesus uses the word "place" to describe a personal location He is preparing for each of His own. The original word used for place in all three instances is topos (top os) meaning a limited spot or space that has a definite location with the nature of a room or home. I would add, since we derive the word topography from topos, I would not be surprised if Jesus crafted each of our residence in His House to accommodate a large tract of land with all His favorite landscaping ideas and our favorites combined.

Your very personal, Holy Contractor for this job that so far has taken two thousand plus years in the making of this place is none other than Christ Jesus - "And if I go and prepare a place for you...". The fact that Jesus says He will make ready "a place for you" means this place will be tailor-made to each believer because the Creator knows you best.

At this time in history, the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer to aid them with their Christ-like journey. Jesus is at Father God's right hand interceding for His children and pursuing everyone else. Talk about your ultimate multitasker, while Jesus is interceding and pursuing, He is also building, preparing, and/or making ready "a place" for a day or moment when He will return to escort believers back to His abode and their new dwelling place - "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."

Notice there is mention of only One House and not a city, the New Jerusalem we hear of later in Revelation 21:1. Many envision the rooms or mansions residing within the new Holy City, but the Lord's words declare they will tabernacle or occupy within the Father's House. The Father's House could and probably will be located within New Jerusalem but this particular Scripture does not speak to that. No matter the location of Father God's house, believers and their dwelling place will be within and we will be with Christ having a personalized habitation created by Christ Himself - our place, My Place.

His Sufficient Grace And Power

When living a Christ-like life and trying to serve the Lord, brokenness is the posture that triggers your elevated usefulness by God (Psalm 51:17). The ultimate example of humility, brokenness and vulnerability is Christ. Philippians 2:6-11 speaks of the awesome incarnation of the Word of God that I believe humanity will never grasp the full sacrifice of - The Creator becoming His creation for its redemption. 

Remaining humble before the Lord displays one's ultimate respect for His sovereignty and pays the believer with "riches and honor and life" (Proverbs 22:4). In addition, wearing humility as a daily garment or mindset and attitude before others will acquire "favor" from God (1 Peter 5:5). And we all need riches, honor, life and favor from God who is a generous giver.

Another wonderful benefit of practicing humility in Christ is something Jesus said to Paul and all Christians through the ages - "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Paul then takes pride in his many weaknesses because they become opportunities for Christ to be glorified - "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Notice Paul considers weaknesses a prerequisite for Christ's power to rest on him. Our weaknesses are a magnet and opportunity for Christ's presence to dwell in us and shine through us. Christ's words "for my power is made perfect in weakness." could be translated from the original Greek/Arabic - "my power is perfectly accomplished in/through your weaknesses." This does not mean we should seek situations of weakness in order to prove God's "grace" and "power". But should circumstances arise that expose our weaknesses, Christians can "boast" and "delight" in and through the difficulty because His grace is sufficient and His power is perfected within the ordeal.

I know and recognize there are some issues and problems I pray that the Lord would just solve in an instant. In the past, He has chosen to operate in that very fashion. However, the mode of operation for many Christians, if not most, is to mature through the experiences of trial and tribulation.

Paul encourages the believers in Corinth and down through the ages - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13)

So, we should not be taken off-guard by our problems. Plus, being a part of the family of God grants you the Lord controlling the degree of difficulty within the problem and supplying a way out. However, believers still have to go through the process. What process you ask? A holy process by God of producing more Christ-like traits within the Christian. Paul says it like this to the believers in Rome - "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

And many times during this process of Holy development, God uses our weakness, our brokenness to help the hurting to be honest with themselves and God. My pastor recently taught that just as clay pots are cracked so are humans. And just as humans let in the light, God's Light, through those cracks we have to remember to shine that light, The Lord's Provision and Promises, back out through the cracks.

To help with the shinning of our light the older brother in the famous parable of The Prodigal Son had some issues that Christians need to avoid. The older brother held onto his anger and did not process it, frequently complained and did not let go of his offenses. These three items are a starting point for what not to do and where not to be when on the road to vulnerability or brokenness with Christ and others.

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (Luke 15:28-30)

Another person in Scripture that believers can track the journey of humility is Paul. Paul's faith journey, his path of brokenness, humility and vulnerability begin from being a legalistic teacher of The Law of Scripture. When the risen Christ meets Paul on the road and blinds him, and eventually has Paul converted - this is but one of many notches on the totem pole that Paul experiences the lesson of humility.

Paul seems to be personally attached for the remainder of his years to something referred to as "a thorn in my flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7). What this is has been debated till today, but what is clear is Paul's transformation from pride to humility is detected throughout his letters to the churches. 

In a recent teaching, my pastor, Pastor Claypool, noted this shift in the following timeline of what has been called by scholars as Paul's Descent to Greatness.

• A.D. 49 = Galatians 2:6 (14 years after becoming a believer)
• A.D. 55 = 1 Corinthians 15:9
• A.D. 60 = Ephesians 3:8 (25 years a Christian)
• 2 yrs before death = 2 Corinthians 12:10
• 1 Timothy 1:15

What a journey and walk with The Lord. And the lessons will never stop. Paul and all believers will always be works in progress. Our ship will never come in and be fully developed, only God is perfect, which leads to a hope-filled and wonderous future with Christ in Heaven and beyond.

I love the fact that God calls the whosoevers of this world to belief in Him through Christ. I love that this cracked pot of a vessel can still be used by Him as long as I remain humble before Him and others. I love that He is faithful. My misunderstanding about His plan or His timing will never make Him angry or diminish His faithfulness and I can approach Him about anything. My weaknesses will be a testimony to His Sufficient Grace And Power.

A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." (Romans 8:18-27)

Creation groans, our bodies groan and Christians groan through a heavenly prayer language - there's a whole lot of groaning going on. However, this passage is a hope-filled section of Scripture. Paul mentions the groans because without them there is no appreciation for the total restoration of all things. As Michael English sings, "There's Not A Crown Without A Cross" - there's not any glorification without groaning first.

Paul, having the true nature of hope pouring through his pen, leads off this passage with - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) This begins to turn our attention away from the non-solvable problems that worry us so much in life and places our focus on more glorious days to come. 

Creation is going to receive a glorious make-over or upgrade by The Creator, but is awaiting Christ's glorification of His children first. In the meantime, the earth and all of nature groans in its own ways more frequently and with increased intensity as that day approaches (i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, global heat, volcanic eruptions, etc).

• "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."

Believers in Christ await their transformation into their glorified bodies, completing the full manifestation of our adoption as kids of the King. While here on earth - the thoughts, actions and words of the Christian should be the outward display of their decision to follow Christ. I believe after true believers are with the Lord and each other in Heaven, the white robes representing the right-standing with God through Christ that we wear will also display all the Godly character He has bestowed upon our personality. We will literally wear our emotions and everything else on our sleeve, for there are no pretenses in Heaven.

• we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.

Finally, while we struggle here on earth to connect with people and try to say the right thing, at the right time, to benefit the troubled - there are also times we have difficulty in knowing what and how to pray or communicate to God on any given thing. Fear not. The Lord has given us hope now and forever more through His Holy Spirit.

• "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

The inclusion of the Holy Spirit in the process is crucial in the believer's daily life and when trying to make a difference in this world the Holy Spirit's involvement makes Proverbs 15:23 very enjoyable and meaningful - "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word!". 

From my experience, I attempt to help someone by showing or telling what someone else of respect did. Other times I show or tell what I did in the situation. But if both instances did not have direction from Jesus or the Holy Spirit interwoven into the instruction - the apt reply and timely word is dulled at best. Replying to anyone about anything should come from a foundation in God's Word. What Would Jesus - Think, Say or Do? - should be at the tip of the believer's brain or thoughts before we think, say or do anything. In the meantime, I expect there is A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On.

Just Say The Word

The authority of God on any matter has always been executed by God's Word. His spoken Word created the known universe. His inspired Word formed our written text, The Bible. His Rhema Word or words for the now-situations of life via the Holy Spirit are based from the written Word of God.

All God has to do in any circumstance is speak. He does not have to lift an arm or finger. He does not have to swing a mighty sword. In fact, Revelation 19:15 says that His sword is His speech that proceeds from His mouth - "Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations."

The Centurion of Matthew 8:5-13 that needed his servant healed knew this fact about Jesus. This commander of a hundred soldiers recognized Christ's supernatural authority, told Jesus that his home was not worthy of Christ's visit and called Jesus - Master/Lord. Authority recognized authority.

Authority has power and responsibility that carry with it a weight behind it's purpose which declares a Seal of Approval from a Higher Power. Jesus has the ultimate authority.

Authority in the original Greek is the word exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah) meaning concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Authority has to come from someone greater than yourself. Even Jesus, The Word of God in flesh, said, "the Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) while visiting us the first time. This is confirmed in Philippians 2:6-8 and Hebrews 2:9.

As I have studied authority in the life of Jesus, I noticed He taught as one who had the right and jurisdiction to teach - meaning no-one else could. Said another way, what He spoke about was Right in His Ballpark.

"the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." - Matthew 7:28-29

I also read where He healed with authority (Matthew 9:6), delegated with authority (Matthew 10:1), rebuked with authority (Mark 1:27), declared with authority (Matthew 28:18), and was certainly questioned about His authority (Matthew 21:23-27). Jesus received the Seal of Approval at His baptism with John the Baptist and went forward in His authority.

However, what made Jesus special to me was that not only did He display His authority with His many miracles but He proved His authority and subsequent authentic relationship with Father God through His self-sacrifice and self-resurrection.

"Then the Jews demanded of him, 'What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple [meaning His body], and I will raise it again in three days.'" - John 2:18-19

"No one takes it [His life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." - John 10:18

Jesus had and stills has the right, strength, power, liberty, freedom, and privilege to do anything. His authority will always be aligned with the will of God the Father.

What the Centurion requested from Jesus was something he did himself but could not transfer into the supernatural. As a commander, the Centurion had the authority to give orders to other soldiers for their immediate execution. He did not have that same authority over the paralyzing sickness his servant had, but he knew who did and how He did it - Jesus with just one word. 

"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 'Lord,' he said, 'my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.'

Jesus said to him, 'Shall I come and heal him?'

The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.'

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'

Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matt. 8:5-13)

For whatever challenges you may be facing or your friends and family may be enduring, I encourage all of us today to seek Jesus, the one endued with All Authority and ask Him to Just Say The Word.

The Beforehand

As a productive member of society, a person might perform as much research as possible, gain as much knowledge as possible and garnish as much experience in one's industry as possible before landing the dream career.

As an athlete, one might practice and train the body and mind in such a way that when the moment for try-outs come or that big moment in the game arrives - the sportsman or sportswoman is ready to execute their move flawlessly.

The Beforehand is crucial not only in these areas of a person's life but a Christian's life also. After a person surrenders their life to Christ, the daily challenge begins to continue being submitted to The Lord in all areas so that He will use them mightily in His plan to reach and love others.

Those in Scripture that were deemed "blameless" meant that they were full of integrity. Noah (Gen. 6:9) and Job (Job 1:1) were two such men that held this distinction. What an awesome goal to apsire to even in this day and age.

The behavior of a believer alone with only Christ and His guardian angels attending is the beginning of exposing true self. As soon as we are placed in front of a live physical person such as a spouse, another family member or friend - some of our awareness returns and we behave differently. The whole wearing different masks for different people and different situations comes front and center.

However, what if Christians were to practice and train in their alone time so that their character and behavior in private matched what was seen in public. The key is to remember God is watching and desires to be more than an intrested spectator in all of our lives and at all times. 

I imagine there are many Christians who grab their ticket to Heaven by believing and then start waiting for The Heavenly Train-ride. There is more to the Christian life than this picture. In Paul's letter to the believers in Philippi, he said,

"continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Phil. 2:12-13)

Paul encourages the Christian that the journey of faith in Christ is a process. Christ did the work in order to redeem humanity and make us part of His family. However, to be more Christ-like each day, believers have to "continue to work out...with fear and trembling" alongside God the life of grace they have been given. This includes and is especially paramount for what goes on in a believer's life behind closed doors, when no one is looking and is with God in The Beforehand.