"IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS..."

These are the words that our Lord Jesus speaks to the disciples at their last Passover dinner together before He is crucified. They are words that have comforted many of us over the years, not so much the "mansions" part, but where He says He is going to prepare a place for us and then return for us (John 14:1-3).

But I was speaking with a Keswick staff member a few days ago, and she shared that someone had said to her that we couldn't take the word "mansion" literally. That the men who translated the Bible might not have translated the word accurately and we might not be living in heavenly "mansions" at all. However, she did go on to say that IF we were going to have a mansion to dwell in when we get to heaven, she would love hers to be beachfront because she loves the ocean and boats and being at the shore. I told her that maybe her mansion would be beside the crystal sea (Rev. 4:6). I guess a little spiritual dreaming is OK.

But as we talked a little more, we all agreed that whether our dwelling place in heaven is or isn't a "mansion," or whether our dwelling is or isn't "beachfront property," it doesn't matter. The only thing that will matter is that we are IN heaven and that we will be rejoicing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and basking in His reflected glory for all eternity.

So read the words of Christ in John 14 and be encouraged, not because you may be living in a mansion, but remember that He has gone ahead and prepared the place for us where He wants us to be and where we can praise His name for ever and ever.

Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.