Beyond

2 P & P Weekly Blog 30 September - 6 October 2023

A green ivy and leaf-covered tunnel

I loved finding this ivy and leaf-covered tunnel. It was highlighted by sunshine. As the morning’s rays danced on it, in it, and through it—it reminded me of a secret passageway.

Don’t you wonder what lies beyond? What treasure might await you as you climb the stairs? What you might discover? Whether it opens to a garden, a house, or an interesting vista?

I love the image that we are given in John 14 about a place for those who call Jesus, Lord. And I think the VOICE brings this out so well by labeling the speaker's identities.

“Jesus: Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me. My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together. You know where I am going and how to get there.

Thomas: Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the path?

Jesus: I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you know Me, you know the Father. Rest assured now; you know Him and have seen Him.

Philip: Lord, all I am asking is that You show us the Father.

Jesus (to Philip): I have lived with you all this time, and you still don’t know who I am? If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. How can you keep asking to see the Father? Don’t you believe Me when I say I abide in the Father and the Father dwells in Me? I’m not making this up as I go along. The Father has given Me these truths that I have been speaking to you, and He empowers all My actions. Accept these truths: I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me. If you have trouble believing based on My words, believe because of the things I have done. I tell you the truth: whoever believes in Me will be able to do what I have done, but they will do even greater things, because I will return to be with the Father. Whatever you ask for in My name, I will do it so that the Father will get glory from the Son. Let Me say it again: if you ask for anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, obey the commandments I have given you. I will ask the Father to send you another Helper, the Spirit of truth, who will remain constantly with you. The world does not recognize the Spirit of truth, because it does not know the Spirit and is unable to receive Him. But you do know the Spirit because He lives with you, and He will dwell in you. I will never abandon you like orphans; I will return to be with you. In a little while, the world will not see Me; but I will not vanish completely from your sight. Because I live, you will also live. At that time, you will know that I am in the Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. The one who loves Me will do the things I have commanded. My Father loves everyone who loves Me; and I will love you and reveal My heart, will, and nature to you.”

John 14:1-21 VOICE

So when the things of the earth feel like a tunnel, and you need a little spiritual vision of your future—this passage can bring us encouragement. It gives us a view into—the beyond—by giving us a peak into the heavenly space where we will be welcome to explore. We’ll be invited into perfect fellowship and communion with the Gardener, the Master. And there will be room and a place for everyone that He calls a son and daughter of the King. How’s that for a treasure trove of discovery? How’s that for an image to set your heart upon and to long for a coming day?

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