Prepared

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you; for 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.

John 14:1-4

We are called to be a refuge for the persecuted.

As I plumped the pillows and smoothed one more thick blanket over the bed, I thought of my persecuted brothers and sisters around the world fleeing from oppression. Racing through the night, seeking shelter, praying for passage. Holding little ones close, hoping they don’t feel the anxious thump of their mothers’ hearts as they wait for the Lord to do what only He can.

As I swept the corners and wiped down the sink, I thought of the simple grace of warm water and towels, golden lamplight and soft rugs. A welcoming space for the weary, an open place for the confined.

As I laid out gifts for my guests, handwritten notes for each by name, I wondered. How much more does Jesus prepare a place for us in His Father’s house? Is my name written in His own hand, gifts laid out in the room He’s making for me?

What space is our Jesus preparing for us? Is He plumping pillows, smoothing one more thick blanket of grace and mercy on the bed of rest He’s made for you and me? He has promised a place of refuge from the storm, a stronghold in times of trouble, and shelter under His wings. 

His eyes burn with love’s fire as He thinks of us, fleeing through a country that is not our home. Racing through the night, seeking shelter, praying for passage. Holding little ones close, hoping they don’t feel the anxious thump of our hearts as we wait for the Lord to do what only He can.

Jesus is preparing a refuge for the persecuted. Let not your hearts be troubled #faith. Share on X

He is carefully measuring an open space for the confined captives; He is sweeping the corners of heaven and wiping down the surface of our fears, preparing the simple grace of living water and a servant’s towel, the light of the Lampstand and a soft place where the beautiful feet of those who bear the good news may tread without fear of serpents.

Jesus is making our rooms ready. One day, He will come and take us to His home. His Father’s home. Our home.

What joy will be ours on that day.

The next time you prepare for guests, think on these things. And make a room ready for the persecuted.

Lord, thank you for preparing a place for me in Your Father’s house. I am waiting for You. Amen.

@audreycfrank