Subject: Heaven is our home. |
Bible Note: Apislo Forgive me I didn’t mean to put words in your mouth, that is just how it came out. Why do I think the word Mone means dwelling place, abode or compartment because that is what it means. Greek is a rich language and unlike English, Greek words mean what they say. To inflect something else they would use another word. Jesus talked in word pictures and he was giving a word picture here. One that would be very clear to the hearer of the time. In Jewish culture a man’s inherence was his fathers land and the family unit stayed together. When a young Jewish man became engaged to be married he would return to his fathers house and build a room or suite onto his families home for himself and his bride. The time it took to build was usually considerable since he had to work on it after his days work. This was considered the couples engagement period. While the Groom was preparing a place the bride was preparing herself, and collecting her dowry and such. When the structure was complete the father of the groom would say all is ready and the groom would then gather his groomsmen and go to fetch his bride. He came with much ceremony and usually a groomsman would run ahead and warn the bride. A wise bride was always prepared, hence the story of the 10 virgins. In any case the groom would then come to his bride’s house with his wedding party and collect her and her dowry and he would take her home to the place he had prepared for her. There would be a great celebration and a wedding banquet. They would then go in and consummate the marriage. Jesus was talking to here a bride groom he said we was going to prepare a place and would return to take his bride ( the church) home. We the bride (church) are supposed to be busy readying yourselves for the coming groom. Rev 19:7-9 No Jesus was saying exactly what he meant He was going to prepare a place for us and when the time is right He will come again to take us home. He is preparing the place the same way He created the earth, not with hammers and nails but rather by speaking it into existence. Jesus is waiting now for the Father to say all is ready. If you want to do further reading on this subject check out Manners and Customs of Bible by Hendrickson Publishing or The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times by Moody Press. These books along with any good commentary on John will give much more detail to what I'm saying. By the way yes we are family Romans 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you see we are children of God and as part of the Body of Christ the church we are also the bride of Christ. Really a pretty good place to be. EdB |