Your Reservation Has Already Been Made, July 11
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Tom Corbell
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3 NIV).
According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religious imagination or the result of a psyched-up mentality, looking for "pie in the sky by and by." Heaven is the place where God dwells and where Jesus sits today at the right hand of the Father. Heaven is described as a kingdom, an inheritance, a country, a city, and a home.
Home is a good definition! I was a Hospice chaplain for six years. I can pretty much say that 100% of my patients told me that, if at all possible, they wanted to die at home. Dorothy, in the Wizard of Oz said it best: “There’s no place like home.”
Even if your oncologist is optimistic about the success of your treatment, cancer has a way of pushing us to thoughts of heaven and our own mortality. “Am I ready if I die?” Thoughts can easily go from preparing legal documents, to trips you plan to take, and even fixing that wonky garage door. However, the only essential preparation is not on your list of things to do, because Jesus has already taken care of it.
In today’s verse, Jesus is giving you a peek into what He has prepared for you in heaven. Imagine you can hear Jesus’ tender voice saying, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” If you’re like me, hearing this verse brings emotions like joy and happiness—but above all, it brings relief. What a relief to know the most important thing is already taken care of by your Savior.
Our Christian faith teaches us that our true home is with Jesus in heaven. But what kind of place has Jesus prepared for you? Beachfront high-rise? Country bungalow on endless acreage? Or a simple cottage in a garden with a stream? The verse doesn’t really share any details except for one: “…you also may be where I am.” What? Always being with Jesus? Here’s what that means:
You will never be alone. Jesus will never leave you (see Hebrews 13:5).
You will no longer mourn, or cry, or feel pain ever again (see Revelation 21:4).
You will experience the fullness of joy unendingly (see Psalm 16:11).
And the best part? Well, the best part is that you are clean. You have no more regrets or concerns or frustrations or worries.
This is the place that Jesus has gone to prepare for you. Much more than a room, He has prepared you a home.
Pray: Father, always remind me that my eternal home awaits me through faith in Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Let’s have some fun. Spend a few moments thinking about your heavenly home. Mountains or beaches? Urban or country? Sun 365 or change of seasons? Now find a picture. If you’re creative, draw a picture or write a paragraph describing your heavenly home. Or, if you prefer to be “techy,” try searching a real estate website for something close to your vision.
Tom Corbell, Hospice Pastor
Tom is a Lutheran pastor who has served Jesus in both North and South Carolina for forty-nine years. Six of those years he worked as a Hospice Chaplain, and he encountered cancer daily. The privilege of praying, working with and supporting cancer patients and their families is an honor.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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