Daily devotional, August 13, 2024
Upper Crust
“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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”
John 14:2-3
Day in and day out, Jim has to make sure that everyone who gets inside the high-end gated community he is guarding, are either homeowners or their authorized personnel. Much work is to be done to ensure the security of high-end subdivision dwellers, hence Jim’s work is challenging. And why not, he is part of the team guarding old rich manors, and high-tech homes of the upper crust of the society.
Ordinary people look on and, some marvel even, at the sight of the posh homes. Some sigh, some dream on, while others get inspired. As followers of Jesus though we are promised an even better place:
"The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst”
Revelation 21:19-20
To gain entry and be a resident in our Heavenly Father’s abode will not require money or any type of physical riches nor efforts. To permanently dwell in this awesome place, all you need to do is to accept the gift of salvation being offered by Jesus Christ. No ifs, no buts!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
You see, this place has long been prepared for all of us. For all who would be willing to receive the gift, surrender their worldliness in place of a life of worship to our one true King.
"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."
John 14:2-3
So the choice is ours. Will we be content with our worldly properties or dreams of accumulating even more, or do we want to ensure that we will not be homeless as we cross over to eternity? Remember not everyone who has a great home here on Earth will be guaranteed a place in heaven. Everyone has a chance though but will you be willing to take it?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:19-20
If you want to ensure that you have a place to come home to in eternity, then all you need to do is to admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. You then have to sincerely believe in your heart that Jesus came to pay the penalty for your sins, and that He was raised from the dead to prepare a place in heaven for you. And then commit to step away from your sinful lifestyle, abide in the Lord’s commands and teachings, and grow your faith.
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 7:21
Once you are a committed follower of Jesus, you then live life for Him. A life that prioritizes prayer, Bible reading, worship, fellowship with other believers, and witnessing for Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 25:31-46 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you taken hold of your residency for eternal life?
Conversation with the Lord: _Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for telling me about what really matters, and assuring me that when you call on me, I have a definite place to stay. Help me help others know you so that they too, can dwell with you. Amen.
