For Sunday, May 18, 2014

Scripture:            John 14:1-17

Sermon:              No End of Dwelling Places

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places … And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”

 

We cherish this promise at funerals, for the assurance that our loved one is safely received in a heavenly dwelling prepared just for them.  They are not alone, not apart from God, not lost.

 

The “Father’s house” is not just a heavenly mansion, though.  For Jesus as for the whole of the biblical tradition, it is also (and even more?) Earth as we know it and the kingdom of God “on Earth as in heaven.”  Jesus’ ministry was about revealing the kingdom of God on Earth, fulfilling the promise of the glory and goodness of God in creation, and inviting people into the household (the economy, the oikonomia) of God right now and where they are (although it often means moving to a new way of being or seeing where you are).

 

In the reading, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his arrest and death.  The way they have known him, been with him, and known the kingdom of God through him are coming to an end.  They will have to say goodbye and grieve the passing of what has been good.

 

 

 

“But,” he says, “there are many dwelling places in God’s household – many ways of being with God on Earth and in human experience – many different ways God cares for Earth and cares for us in it.  So do not be afraid.  A new way of being together – a new way of living with me and with God is already being prepared for you.  I have shown you the way.  I will lead you to it.  Be ready to move into it.”

 

 

Have we ever had to grieve the passing of a good “dwelling place” – the loss of a good way of being that seemed to satisfy all our needs and make our life good?  Can we believe that even when a good place (a way of being … a relationship … a way of being church … even just a wonderful retreat or spiritual gathering) comes to an end, God is already preparing something new, and just as good, and maybe even better-suited for us to move into?  Crucially, are we willing to move into it?