Day 7 - Week 22 - John 14:2 "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."

Yesterday we talked about the fact that Jesus' first step in the preparation of our new home was His obedience in going to the cross for us to provide the ability for us to obtain eternal life.

Have you ever wondered what the last task on His list is in the preparation of our eternal mansion?  Remember when we discussed the comparisons between the Jewish engagement traditions and our betrothal to Jesus Christ our Lord?  The church (the universal body of believers) is the bride while Jesus has gone to prepare His bride's home for her. 

From Jewish Wedding Customs and the Bride of Messiah, written by Glenn Kay,

The final step in the wedding process is called - Nissuin - "to carry." This is a graphic description - as the bride would be waiting for her groom to come - to carry her off to her new home. The period of the betrothal - was a time of great anticipation - as the bride waited for the arrival of her betrothed. One of the unique features of the Biblical Jewish wedding was the time of the groom's arrival - it was to be a surprise:

• The bride took the betrothal seriously - expecting the return of the groom at the end of the year long period of the betrothal.
• She knew the approximate timing - but the exact hour or day was uncertain.
• It was the father of the groom who would give the final approval for the marriage to begin.

This aligns perfectly with Jesus' statement about His return, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."  Matthew 24:36

We don't know for sure what the "finishing touch" will be, but God knows...and when He sees our homes made absolutely ready for us, He will give His Son the nod that says, "It's time!"

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology explains,

The return of Christ will usher in the era in which goodness will be triumphant, a truth that is brought out in many ways. Thus throughout the Book of Revelation we are reminded that the power of evil cannot stand up to the might of God. The final triumph of good over evil is brought out in a number of ways, notably in the magnificent vision of the heavenly city and in the vision of the wedding of the Lamb. Sometimes this is emphasized with the thought of the defeat of the forces of evil as when Paul says that Christ will hand over the kingdom to the Father after he has destroyed all opposing powers.

1 Corinthians 15:24, "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power."

Our eternal homes will be made perfect, holy and absolutely godly.  There will be no room for any thing that poses opposition to what is characteristic of our Father. 

Jesus has gone - Jesus will come - we will live with Him forever!  Amen!