But, when you think about it, our reaction to the gray skies is but a shadow of our impatience when it comes to our desire to know about heaven. This was true even in the time of Christ. Consider the questions raised by those around Him in the passage we studied and other locations in the New Testament.
"Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" John 14:5
"Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." John 14:8
"And a certain ruler questioned Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'" Luke 18:18
"And they said to Him, 'Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left.'" Mark 10:37
John 14 records some of Christ's comments in response to questions like these. He said, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:1-2
So, as you read through John 14, what are some of the points to remember? Pastor Tom shared seven truths for stressed, anxiety ridden, troubled, and sorrowful hearts. We repeat them here as a reminder of the promise that God has made and Christ's role in keeping that promise.
There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev'ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we'll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace-
Salvation comes.
Hear heaven's voices sing;
Their thund'rous anthem rings
Through em'rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow'r,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
Forevermore.
And there we'll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We'll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We'll reign with Him.
"Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" John 14:5
"Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." John 14:8
"And a certain ruler questioned Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'" Luke 18:18
"And they said to Him, 'Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left.'" Mark 10:37
John 14 records some of Christ's comments in response to questions like these. He said, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:1-2
So, as you read through John 14, what are some of the points to remember? Pastor Tom shared seven truths for stressed, anxiety ridden, troubled, and sorrowful hearts. We repeat them here as a reminder of the promise that God has made and Christ's role in keeping that promise.
- Jesus knows a troubled heart. Check out Romans 8:18 for some words of assurance.
- Jesus is God - Trust Him.
- There is a forever home for you. Read more about it in 2 Corinthians 5.
- Separation has a purpose. To quote Ray Stedman in his book Authentic Christianity, "Everything that happens in this life is directly related to what is coming--in fact, it is getting us ready for it. Nothing, then is purposeless or futile in our present experience. It is all necessary to the ultimate end."
- Jesus will take us there.
- There is only one way, but there IS a way.
- When we get there, we'll see Him. Revelation 22:3-4 promises that we'll see Him.
There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev'ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we'll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace-
Salvation comes.
Hear heaven's voices sing;
Their thund'rous anthem rings
Through em'rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow'r,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
Forevermore.
And there we'll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We'll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We'll reign with Him.
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