Read John 14:22-30
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” vs. 23
This Judas, not Judas Iscariot, was puzzled over the limited vision of Jesus. Why not show yourself to the world? Why are you showing yourself only to us?
Jesus’ answer is telling. God is a home-maker!
Jesus wants to a make a home with them in which the communion of God will reside. The ongoing work of being at home with God is one in which Jesus’ disciples must participate. The participation is founded on love and yields obedience. In the grace of loving Jesus, the disciples keep on growing by obeying Jesus. Jesus and the Father will come make a dwelling with them; the Spirit is coming!
Our imaginations regarding being at home even in these bodies with God are too small.
I remember as a kid, building “forts” with friends in the woods behind our homes. These forts become places from which great adventures were planned and performed. The “fort” was a dwelling a place for us to gather away from the regular paths of adults. As we got older the forts become more complicated and the planning became more ambitious until we too like the adults could not afford to enter into the play of having a fort. We were busy with other things.
Ah our life with God! Imagination is required. Yet, we are never too old to build an abode with Him in our hearts. But, we can be too busy!
Heavenly Father, enlarge my heart for loving you. Through Jesus your Son, captivate my imagination with the supreme worth of knowing You and being known by You. Through your Spirit empower me to obey you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.