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John 14:2 – . . . I go to prepare a place for you.
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The words in our Text for Today were spoken by Jesus before His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. I realize that we have read this passage for so many years with the thought in mind of Jesus coming for the church, and I have no problem with that. I believe it is an accurate application of this passage. But today I want to offer you more, not to change what has been said or lessen its import as it regards His coming for the church, but to challenge you to step up to rise to new heights of victory in Jesus in this present life.
Where is Jesus right now? He is seated in heavenly places on the right hand of Father God, and His presence is there for Him to fulfill His role as our great Lord while He ever lives to make intercession for us. And there is yet more concerning His present seat. As believers, as children of God, you and I have been raised up and made to sit together with Jesus in heavenly places. But when Jesus spoke the words in our Text for Today, He had not yet ascended to that place, and we certainly had not been raised up to that place.
But NOW . . . things have changed. Jesus has paid the price of our redemption, applied His blood to the heavenly vessels of worship, making heaven a fit place for man to come; He came back into Upper Sheol (Paradise) and preached to the Old Testament saints, and brought them out to accompany Him to His glorious ascension, at which point He ascended and was told by the Father, “Sit on My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Oh what a glorious picture that is! But there is more. When He sat down, He prayed to the Father to send Holy Ghost into the earth to bring about the new birth for mankind. Then on Pentecost it happened; Holy Ghost came in His fullness and the church came forth.
Now read our Text for Today once more and see a wondrous picture. Just what is that “place” He has prepared for us? It is the “throne of grace.” And His preparation? He ascended at His resurrection and applied His blood, making it possible for us to come there. Now He sits on the right hand of God, having taken His place of authority, and has sent Holy Ghost to bring about the new birth in those who call upon the Name of the Lord. The preparation is done, and He has prepared a place for us at the Bridegroom’s table and at the throne of grace, where we have been seated together with Him on Father’s right hand, a place of authority and power.
Manna for Today – John 14:1-14; Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 2:1-7; Ephesians 4:9-13; Hebrews 4:16
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My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 