“There is more than enough room in my Father’s house…”

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, spoke to this issue of change in comforting His disciples when they were facing periods of overwhelming grief, disappointment and loss while here on earth. We especially see this when their hearts were hurting and their expectations and dreams were shattered, as Jesus told them change was coming. They could not understand. John 14: 1-6 records Jesus’ words of assurance to them:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s house. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. “And you know the way to where I am going”.
“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Our Blessed Hope

Jesus’ words make it clear that the Father has a special room for each of us in His house and that there is only one way to the Father…through Jesus. Our indigenous SIU partners often remind us of this promise and how they are encouraged to share the promise of hope with as many unreached people as they can in their communities. Jesus is our blessed hope and as believers we have no other hope besides His wonderful gift of salvation and His coming return.

A Life Well Lived

Although it has been a difficult season of grieving and loss for the Kiefer family, we are also praising God that Dad Karl is now in our Father’s house, in the fullness of joy and in the presence of our Lord with no more suffering, pain or tears. The Lord made this promise to us all who believe. Karl Kiefer’s life was a life well lived with a loving heart and a lasting legacy pointing to Jesus and the eternal Kingdom of God.

Karl lived a very full life, almost reaching the age of 82 and married to his wife, Sharon, for 60 years. They were faithfully committed to each other all those years and had much Godly influence on their children, grandchildren, friends and extended family. I am one of those who will never forget Karl and look forward to reuniting with him, with King Jesus, and all those who make the decision to follow the one true King.

Staying Connected

Hopefully this post encouraged you. Thank you for staying connected with Scriptures In Use, our partners and all that the Lord is doing among oral cultures around the world. Please feel free to ask or leave any questions or comments to this post. We look forward to hearing from you!