Jesus here indicates the vastness of heaven -- there are many rooms, dwelling places, domiciles, residences, and abodes. In short, we will not be alone in His Kingdom, but instead will be surrounded by a host of others. Heaven will be a community of the faithful -- a gathering place for those who have been redeemed and rescued.
I am reminded of how great it is when we have a large family get-together such as this summer when both sides of our family will gather for weddings. My Hillenbrand relatives will celebrate nephew Tim's wedding to Angela, and Amy's Walter relatives will gather to enjoy nephew Scott's wedding to Amber.
It's fabulous to see all those faces from the family -- to laugh together, enjoy a common experience, and bond through meaningful conversations and mutual encouragement.
Imagine the greater family reunion when all of God's people are gathered in one place -- when Phil and Amy are side by side with Moses and Elijah and Peter and Paul. Our voices join as One when we celebrate Him who saved us, our love for one another abounds, and there is no sin, sickness, pain or loss.
Even better, in the middle of it all will be Him who made it all possible: the Lamb of God.
But you know what? You don't have to wait for heaven to begin experiencing this. It can start right here, because that's what the Church is supposed to be. As the hymnwriter declares:
1 Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
2 Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
3 We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
4 When here our pathways part,
We suffer bitter pain;
Yet, one in Christ and one in heart,
We hope to meet again.
5 From sorrow, toil, and pain
And sin we shall be free
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
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