Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | John 3:16, the verse that probably more people know than any other in the Bible, tells us that if we believe in Jesus, we’ll not perish but have eternal life. That’s a wonderful promise.  But there’s a verse in the 14th chapter of the book of John that somehow is of even more comfort to me. It’s verse 3, which says, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:3 NLT). In this verse Jesus promises not just eternal life, but eternal life with Him.

The setting in the Bible for this verse is the last meal that Jesus ever ate with His disciples.  We call it “the Last Supper.” Soon after this meal, He was arrested and then crucified.  As He ate that last supper with His disciples, Jesus knew what was ahead of Him—the betrayal, the suffering, his death. But His first concern was for His disciples. He knew the fear that would fill their hearts. He knew that even though He told them ahead of time what was going to happen, they would not understand. So, it’s as if He is telling them the last chapter of the book before it happens. He is saying, “When your home in heaven is ready, I will come and get you.  So, don’t worry.”

I like that He promises He will come and get us to spend eternity with Him. That takes away the fear of death. When we die, we don’t have to wander around the universe looking for heaven.  When that times comes, He will come and get us and take us there to be with Him.

And when will that happen? Jesus said, “When everything is ready.” In God’s perfect timing. Sometimes I can hardly wait!