A Place for Us

My friend lost her husband a few years ago, and like most widows she shivers to think that Jerry will eventually be forgotten. Of course, his family will miss him, and she will lament the loss of her partner of so many years, but life goes on. Even Ecclesiastes 9:5 underscores this: “The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.” The world keeps turning even when one of the best and brightest passes.

Perhaps Jesus was thinking of this when he assured us in John 14:2-4 that he has prepared a place for us and we will be joining him. The Carpenter of Nazareth has built Jerry a place in heaven. Not one made with hands, but by God’s eternal decree. The world might erase Jerry from its memory, but heaven won’t. He will never be forgotten. That’s because he has a place by Jesus’ side.

Perhaps you know a widow who is still grieving the loss of her husband, a parent that has had to bury a child, or anyone who has suffered the death of a close friend. Those who are grieving want you to mention their loved ones. You might feel a little unsure of what to say, but you can send a note, sharing a special memory and letting them know you haven’t forgotten. Assure your friend that heaven has a far grander place for their loved one, handmade by Jesus Christ himself!

Lord Jesus, thank you that you have designed a specific, hand-tailored, custom-constructed place in heaven for each of your children. Thank you for building my home—my special place—in heaven.

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