Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:1-2
It’s family reunion time! One of my favorite parts of summer is reuniting with family and old friends that I don’t get to see that often. Every summer my family and I look forward to Papa Camp, a time when all the cousins get together at my mom’s house for a week.
My wonderful Dad started Papa Camp 11 years ago when my oldest son was just a baby. Back then there were only 6 grandkids. Today there are 11 grandkids. Although my Dad no doubt would be smiling to see that my mom has carried on this great tradition, he is enjoying a different kind of family reunion in heaven.
Typically Papa Camp kicks off Sunday morning at the church I grew up in, where my mom is still a member. All of us (sisters and brothers-in-law included) line a whole pew and sometimes two to worship. We always sit in the same pew – you know, the one my mom and dad have always sat in, the one my dad would be waiting for us in when he was here since we were always a little late. This year was no different.
I had seen a post just before leaving for church that my lifelong friend and college roommate was also “back home” for summer vacation. Since her parents have always sat on the same row on the opposite side of the church, I craned my neck to see if she was there. As I scanned the congregation I began to realize there were vacant spaces that were once filled with dear friends, but I also loved seeing lifelong members sitting in the same places they always have looking only a little wiser. There were also a lot of new people that I had never seen or met and it brought me such joy to see how God continues to grow His kingdom through His church. Being in the church I grew up in is such a sweet time of reunion seeing old friends and meeting new ones in the family of God.
That morning I simultaneously experienced earthly sorrow, peace, and joy as “our” pew was missing a critical member. I couldn’t help thinking about heaven and how those we love, like my Daddy, who have trusted Jesus for salvation and have gone before us will be waiting there, saving a seat for us before His Throne. And when we get there and look over on the opposite side of God’s house to see our friends and loved ones worshipping Him together with us – what a wonderful day that will be!
Before Jesus died, He comforted His disciples when He told them about His Father’s house and how He was going there to prepare a place for them. He has also prepared a place for all those who trust Him and turn to Him for salvation from their sins. It is because of His great love that He is saving a place in heaven for us, too. When He died on the cross He made the way for us to be with Him forever.
In the meantime, I want to do all I can to take as many people with me as possible by living out my faith, loving my neighbor and sharing Jesus, the one who is The Way, with those around me. Can I save a seat for you?