“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
"Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:1-6
The opening line acknowledges that we all tend to allow our hearts be troubled and full of care and anxiety. Admittedly, there are a lot of troubling things in the world around us and possibly in our lives personally. For a follower of Christ, we have a source of comfort that is always present, even in the troubling times.
Jesus said we could come unto Him, and He will give rest to our souls.
This passage gives the Christian three things to comfort our hearts when troubles come.
First – a place to look forward to. I have a love-hate relationship with travel. I find long car trips or plane rides very uncomfortable and tiring. What makes the discomfort of travel worth it, is, of course, the arrival at your desired destination. Those who have received the eternal salvation that only Jesus can give have a wonderful place to look forward to. A place He is preparing for us, called heaven.
Second – a promise to hold on to. Jesus told his disciples to not allow their hearts to be troubled in the days leading up to His death, resurrection and assention. For them, the thought of Jesus going away was very troubling. However, He told them there was a purpose in His going back to heaven, but also a promise that He would return again.
Third – a path to get you there. This wonderful place that Jesus is preparing, how can we be sure to get there?
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going, how can we know the way?”
Jesus’ answer was, “I am the way.”
Jesus is the only way to heaven. Place your faith, not in your own goodness nor simply in fate, but in Him who died for your sins and rose from the dead to provide the way to have your sins forgiven and a home in heaven.
Troubling times will come, but I know that I have a place to look forward to, a promise to hold on to and the One who will take me there. This brings a sure and stable hope throughout my life. I pray you too have this assurance.
Tom Kline is the pastor of Castlegar Baptist Church.