A Room With A View

“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 unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also.”  John 14:2-3

Recently I wrote in my blog about a vacation that my parents and I took many years ago when I was six years old.  When I thought about that time, I remembered that we stayed in a boarding house because there weren’t condos and a multitude of hotels/motels in which to stay.  Besides, even if there was, we were on a limited budget, and a vacation was a rare event.  A boarding house back then was just a basic room with a common bathroom down the hall.  It was not like the quaint and cozy bed and breakfast inns that we see today.  No food was served.  It was just a cheap place to spend the night.  In those days, many families had to get by on one income.  With the economy the way it is today because of the pandemic, there are some families having to figure out how to survive on one income or no income.

I also remembered that outside the boarding house window was a neon sign that flashed off and on all night the word “Vacancy”.  As a child, I thought it was kind of neat watching that colorful sign go off and on.  When I think about it now, it sort of gives me a comforting feeling because the sign implied, “We have room for you.”  That can’t be said about many areas today.  God and Christians, in particular, are not welcome in some places today.  I read on line that in one of the cities where the riots are occurring, the authorities closed down a park because a Christian group wanted to hold a worship service there on Labor Day.  Apparently, it is OK to burn, loot, write vulgar graffiti on buildings, and threaten folks while they are trying to simply eat a meal and mind their own business, but heaven forbid that another group of people would desire to worship and praise the Lord, sing to His glory, and pray for peace to return to the city!  Just imagine if they were allowed to hold their service.  Some of the rioters might come under conviction, repent, and turn to the Lord.  Those city leaders couldn’t have that!  All I can say is that Satan is doing a pretty good job of deceiving people to do his work for him.  I did read a follow up article that said the Christian group decided to take their worship service to the streets.  What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Jesus said that He is preparing mansions, or rooms, homes, or dwelling places, as other versions of scripture translate mansions, for all who trust in Him.  I like the word mansions, but, I really don’t care what my future home in heaven is called, because the main draw of heaven is to be with Christ for all eternity.  I like my home that I have here on earth.  It is nothing fancy, but it is comfortable and convenient to shopping, work, and it is a rather quiet neighborhood.  I tell people that it is kind of like the old rock song by The Atlanta Rhythm Section, “Doraville–“it ain’t much, but it’s home”.  I am content with my modest home.  I also tell people that my husband and I didn’t have to “downsize” because we never “upsized”!  One day, though, I will have to vacate and move to my prepared place in heaven which I am sure will be perfect for me.  Every home in heaven will be perfect for each resident who chooses to follow Christ.  I can imagine that the view from my window in heaven will be spectacular.

I have all ideas that Jesus has not yet finished preparing these mansions for His followers.  It that is true, and I believe that it is, that means that the “Vacancy” sing is still flashing on for all who would repent and place their faith in Christ.  However, one day the “No Vacancy” sign will flash on when the last person who is going to be saved is born again, and eternal life will begin for the multitudes who have given their lives to Christ.