God’s House
By Vernette
Kureck
“In my Father’s
house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2 (NIV)
Last year we had the opportunity to
tour America’s largest home in North Carolina. The 250 room Biltmore house is
an ongoing story of the love of a family, artistry and hospitality for
all. Surrounded by lavish gardens, the
home began in 1895 as George Vanderbilt’s vision of possibilities for his
family and friends. As you walk through the grand spaces filled with
masterpieces of art and priceless antiques, the stunning furnishings of the
private family quarters, indoor pool, bowling alley and the downstairs kitchens
and servants’ quarters… You can’t help but be amazed at the opulence! This
man’s vision was unparalleled for that time.
It is part of the American dream to
always be building bigger and better. We love our homes. We think to the future
of how they will best accommodate the growing family. Is the space functional,
as well as up to date, with all the modern conveniences? Are there enough
charging ports for all the technology?
Is that mud room really big enough? Do
we even need a mud room?! Should the
children share a bedroom or have their own room? Does the kitchen have the
latest appliances, and what are those countertops made of? Our physical
comforts are of great concern.
In the above verse, Jesus is
referring to our eternal home and explaining that there will be many places
within Heaven. Can you even begin to contemplate the size of God’s house? In the Bible, our Father has shared the
ongoing story of His love for family, and how He provides hospitality for all
of His children. If we are His children, we know where we are going. However,
1Cor 2:9 states, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God
has prepared for those who love Him.” This tells us that no matter how vast one’s
imagination is - - it still isn’t enough to comprehend what He has prepared for
us in heaven.
So what is enough for us then? God’s
Holy Scripture. His Word. What He has promised; He fulfills. Jesus continues in
John 14:3 to state that if He is preparing a place for us, He will come and
take us to Himself. We will be together… Now that I can imagine!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
How much time have you been spending on the physical family home?
2. How does that compare to the time you spend
with Jesus?
FURTHER
READING:
Vernette and her husband Ken have
been married 49 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren. She
serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.
