‘I go there to prepare a place for you’ (John 14:2)

See what Jesus is doing dear friends. He is working for us; He did all He could do for us on earth, and then he ascended into heaven to carry on His work. The place He prepares will be worthy of Himself: “His rest will be glorious”.

It will suit us perfectly. There the wicked shall stop troubling us, sin shall no more annoy us, troubles will no longer frustrate us; but the weary shall be at rest. Jesus is preparing us for this place, as well as this place for us. Therefore we are tried and tested; our light afflictions, which are for just a moment, are working out for us a far greater and eternal weight of glory.

Let’s think of Jesus every day as employed for us; and under all the pressures that weigh us down, let us remember that Jesus will come again and receive us unto Himself; that we may be where He is. Our present cottage may be restrictive and uncomfortable; but our mansion will be spacious, magnificent and worthy of our God. Whoever overcomes shall inherit all things, and Jehovah will be their God.

And art Thou, gracious Saviour, gone,
A mansion to prepare for me?
Shall I behold Thee on Thy throne
And there forever sit with Thee?
Then let the world approve or blame,
I’ll triumph in Thy gracious name.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘In the church we are at peace, and the affection of the people seems to increase. I hope their spirituality grows also. The good work goes on, though not so rapidly as I could wish. But if God is with us, if we simply aim to please him, he will bless us and crown us with success.’