The open bible for devotion

Devotion – June 2021

I’ll be Back!

John 14:1–3 (NIV)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

At one time or another each of my children have spent time in childcare. When I went back to work after having my eldest it was very easy. She seemed to relish the opportunity to play with new toys, make new friends and explore fresh spaces. When it was time for my eldest son to go to childcare however, it was a very different experience. He cried, clung, and pleaded for me to stay. I don’t think it was about where he was going to spend the day, I think it was simply that I was leaving him, and he didn’t know if and when I was going to come back.

When Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, after his resurrection, he spent some time making sure his disciples knew that he wasn’t going forever. He wanted them to understand that he was preparing a place for them, and that he would return. Now, we don’t know when this is going to happen, but Jesus’ promise to his disciples is the same promise to us. Jesus is right now preparing a place for us, in heaven. While we wait for his return, we have a choice to make. We can choose to go about our days, happily “playing” and enjoying life, not thinking about our purpose while we are waiting, or we can focus on showing his love and grace to those we come in contact with. Jesus’ other instruction before he left his disciples was about this. He told them to go and baptise and share everything he had taught them.

When I returned to the childcare at the end of the day my son was so excited to see me. He would once again hold on tight, but this time he would smile and want to tell me about his day. How even more incredible is it going to be for us when Jesus returns!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you that you call me to be a part of your amazing work here on earth. Help me to wait with expectation for your return. While I wait, help me to openly share the hope, love, grace, and peace you have given me. In your name I pray. Amen.


About the Author

Elise von Stanke

Hi, my name is Elise, and I am currently living in Newcastle, NSW. I am married to Mathew, who is the pastor at LifeWay Lutheran Church, Newcastle. We have three gorgeous children, Lily (10), Aaron (7), and Noah (3). I am a Primary School teacher, who loves music, making things with fabric, felt and wool and having conversations over coffee. I also love sharing the amazing news of Jesus’ love and hearing others share their experiences with me.

Comments 1

  1. Thank you Elise – what a lovely prayer. I have used it to cover my testimony, due to be given to the Seaford Lutheran Church congregation on 13 June. It is so appropriate for us all. God Bless you and all you are doing in Christ’s name.

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