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.

(John 14:2 NIV)

Someone once compiled a list of the all-time worst country-western song titles. Believe it or not, these are real songs:

• Her Teeth Were Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure
• I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well
• How Can I Miss You If You Won’t Go Away?
• I’m So Miserable Without You, It’s Like Having You Here
• If the Phone Don’t Ring, Baby, You’ll Know It’s Me
• I Keep Forgettin’ I Forgot About You
• I Would Have Wrote You a Letter, But I Couldn’t Spell Yuck
• If You Don’t Leave Me Alone, I’ll Go and Find Someone Else Who Will
• If My Nose Were Full of Nickels, I’d Blow It All on You
• You’re the Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly
• If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?

Those are some strange titles! But the last one actually reminds me of something far more serious: a conversation Jesus had with His disciples the night before His crucifixion.

In John 14–17, Jesus spoke with His disciples about what would happen after His death. He kept talking about “going away,” and the disciples were troubled. They had left everything to follow Him; they couldn’t imagine life without Him.

Sensing their fear, Jesus offered them these comforting words: “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.” (John 14:3 NIV)

The disciples didn’t understand it yet, but Jesus was promising them something beautiful. His departure wasn’t abandonment — it was preparation. Yes, He was leaving, but He wasn’t leaving them behind. Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, He was paving the way for their eternal fellowship with God. The day would come when they would be together again, forever. 

We all face times when God feels distant, when it seems like He’s gone away. But Jesus’ words still echo today: “I will come again.”  For every believer, separation is only temporary, and reunion is certain.  One day, faith will give way to sight, and we will be with Him always.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that when you left this world, you didn’t leave us alone. Help me trust your promise that you are preparing a place for me, and that one day I will be with you forever. Amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day