The Bridegroom’s Final Touches

In John 14, Jesus makes a very dramatic statement. He says, “In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may also be.” (Verses 2-3)

One of many interesting points to be made about these words is that they were spoken during the Last Supper just prior to Christ’s crucifixion and death. After upending many of the legalistic traditions, performing miracles that the spiritually blind refused to see, and wreaking havoc among the ruling parties of the day, his earthly ministry was about to reach a climax on a cross.

But Jesus had some things to say before He’d be heading to the grave and prove the resurrection real.

Before he went to the garden to pray, before His betrayal, and before He stood before Pilate, Jesus wanted His followers to know He’d be returning.

He made this promise around two-thousand years ago and it’s as real today as it was at that moment in a dimly lit room, disciples wide-eyed and perplexed.

The “prepare a place” Scripture is one of my favorites. Actually, all rapture and second coming (two separate events, btw) are my favorites. I dream about this promised time like a newly engaged bride dreams of her wedding day.

Over the years as I’ve taught, spoken, and written about the Word, I’ve been challenged by some to get my head out of the clouds and back on the earth where we’re having some major issues. True, and considering that we are to occupy until our Beloved returns, I’m doing what He’s asked me to do: be steadfast in prayer; watchful with thanksgiving, and prayerful for doors to open to the Gospel (Colossians 4:2-3). But there are countless Scriptures (this one included) that tell us to be watchful and alert for not only Satan’s schemes, but also for signs that God is at work, and for the return of our very passionate and excited Groom. (1 Thes.5:2,6; Matthew 24:36, 42; Luke 12:40; Colossians 3:1-4)

Being watchful is commanded in Scripture.

I know, I know … He’s been gone so long and nobody knows the hour or the day … blah, blah. There is a scriptural rebuttal for scoffing comments like these. Look at 2 Peter 3:1-13. Peter tells his readers that the scoffers are going to mock those who’ve anticipated His coming. Peter also reminds his readers that the Word is true. Not false. Not even a little. If God said it, it’s going to happen. As well, the hour and the day Scripture is one that is often quoted to me, and it grieves me that people don’t quote the entire verse and take those few words out of context. In Matthew 24:42-43, Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”

News flash: we are supposed to be watching for Him.

Think about that. Jesus said He’s coming to take us back to this fabulous place He’s been preparing. Considering He’s the King of the Universe, a perfect ruler, and the One who fashioned us out of dust, there’s some exciting stuff to ponder there.

Jesus also gave the disciples things to be watchful for — a coming season when we’d be able to look at worldwide circumstances and put a few more watchmen on our walls. If you read through Matthew chapter 24, you’ll see that some of the signs He spoke of look a lot like things going down today. To name a couple: wars and rumors of war, the hearts of many growing cold, and that His Word would go to the ends of the earth.

There’s a global, Christian movement underway and it’s utilizing technology to see that every language group on planet earth has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in a language they can understand. This is huge. The Great Commission is about to be fulfilled.

Another point worth mentioning here is that other prophecies are lining up, as well. Take a look at Ezekiel 38 and 39. We also know from prophecy that Israel would be returned to her land in Jeremiah chapters 23, 30, 32, and in Ezekiel 34, 37, and 39. The prophecies of Israel’s return to her homeland were fulfilled in 1948 and a very special prophetic countdown began.

We’re alive on planet earth when more history-making prophecies will be fulfilled. Possibly, the rapture of the church — the return of the majestic Groom for His prepared Bride.

It’s important to note that 100% of the prophecies about Christ’s first coming were literally fulfilled. We can anticipate the same with the rapture and the second coming. In Dr. Chuck Missler’s book, The Rapture, 2015, He has a a table of prophetic Scriptures about both unique events. I’ve looked up every one of them, read them in order, and am one watchful, hopeful, enchanted Bride. How could I not want what God has planned for me? If He gave me this life, which I love, then how much more love and grace will there be in the next chapter of life?

Read John 14:1-3 tonight! Read it everyday! Memorize Christ’s words so they are seared on your heart as you hang your love-sick head out the window of hope, watching for the Groom.

We’re so close. I can imagine He’s putting those final touches on the many rooms (some translations say mansions) in the Father’s house.

Any day now. Take courage.

“In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may also be.”

L.G. Westlake