John 14:2-3
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Our text speaks the language of the heavenly Groom (Christ) addressing His betrothed Bride (the Church). It uses the analogy of a Hebrew Wedding. Understanding the analogy helps us understand the Lord’s last days calendar.
In such a wedding, the first stage involved a process where the Father of the Groom would establish a marriage covenant by paying the bride price. Praise God that our Heavenly Father paid the full price for His Son’s Bride at Calvary (see Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:19-20). We are betrothed to and in a New Covenant with Christ (1 Cor. 11:25). That means we are no longer available for any other suitor. Any other claim to our love and loyalty is illegal and unwelcome. We belong to Christ exclusively. Hallelujah!
The next stage in such a wedding would be the Groom’s return to his Father’s house to prepare the Bride’s apartment. That’s exactly what our Lord promises in our text. He indeed ascended to glory on a mission (see Acts 1:9-11). Let us rejoice that Jesus is busy preparing our heavenly suite in the Father’s House (Heaven). I wonder how ready Heaven is for us after 2000 years of divine preparation!
The third stage in such a wedding constitutes the Groom’s return, with a shout in order to alert the Bride who doesn’t know exactly when the Groom will come, to fetch the Bride home. Likewise, the Bible says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Th. 4:16-18).
Beloved, Heaven is real and Rapture is near! There’s a comfort that comes from knowing these truths. Looking forward to the Church’s Rapture, any day now, should keep us enthused, busy and holy.
Pastor Josh