A couple took a 25th anniversary trip to Bermuda.
They made reservations for a standard room in a large hotel there; the Southampton Princess.
When they arrived, they were placed in a much nicer, more expensive room at no extra cost.
They had been upgraded four price levels by the hotel, apparently because they had made their reservation months earlier!
We read this in John 14: 2-3:
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
In order for us to enjoy this upgrade, we have to make our reservation ahead of time, as it says in verse 6:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”
Only those who trust Christ as their Savior will see this upgrade.
But our Savior wants us to enjoy His free gift of eternal life now while we are waiting for this upgrade.
John 10:10 says:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
At first, this couple did not know that they had been upgraded; they thought that they were in a standard room.
But soon it became apparent that they had privileges that the other guests did not.
They inquired about these privileges, and learned what they were: terry-cloth bathrobes, a safe in the room, as much free fruit as they wanted, daily newspapers, a special lounge area, and lots of beach equipment that the other guests had to pay for.
Had they not inquired, they would not have known of these privileges, and would have spent their whole vacation not enjoying them.
God has revealed many privileges that He has given us as believers in His Word.
But many believers are unaware of them.
Consequently, they go through life not taking advantage of them or appreciating them.
A good start would be to read the first three chapters of Ephesians.
My prayer is that we would appreciate and appropriate these good things that Christ has given because of our union with Him.
Blessings!
Pastor Ken Keeler, Director of Church Ministries