July 1: The Promise of His Return

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church 

 

I Will Come Again

John 14:1–3 (KJV)

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Reflection

During a certain period of my life, I had to make a transition that was deeply personal and emotional. It meant leaving behind little ones whom I had come to love as my own. As the day drew closer, and I realised that the moment of separation was inevitable, I wrestled with the thought of telling them that I would be leaving.

My heart ached, and the tears were often uncontrollable. I tried to hide my pain, but there were moments when the emotions became too overwhelming to conceal. Looking into each little face was enough to break my heart all over again. The thought of leaving them behind felt almost unbearable.

In the midst of my sorrow, I asked God for strength. As I prayed, I sensed Him impress upon my heart that I should tell my children, "I am going to do something else for you." At the time, I had no idea what those words meant. I simply obeyed and shared what the Lord had given me.

As I reflect on that experience now, it brings John 14:1–3 to life in a profound way.

Jesus knew that His disciples would soon face the pain of His departure. For three years they had walked with Him, learned from Him, depended on Him, and loved Him. He was their Teacher, Friend, Comforter, and Guide. The thought of Him leaving must have filled them with fear, confusion, and grief.

I can only imagine how their hearts must have hurt as they listened to His words. They did not yet fully understand God's greater plan. All they knew was that Someone they deeply loved was preparing to leave them.

Yet Jesus did not leave them without hope. In the midst of their sorrow, He gave them a promise: "I go to prepare a place for you." What appeared to be a painful ending was actually the beginning of something greater. His departure was not abandonment. It was preparation.

How often God works this way in our lives. Sometimes He allows seasons to end, doors to close, and relationships or assignments to change. In those moments, all we can see is what we are losing. But God sees what He is preparing. While we grieve what is behind us, He is already working ahead on our behalf.

The most comforting part of Jesus' promise is found in these words: "I will come again." The separation would not be permanent. The disciples would see Him again.

What a beautiful reminder for believers today. We live in a world filled with goodbyes, transitions, losses, and heartaches. Yet our hope rests in the promise that Jesus is coming again. Every tear, every painful farewell, and every season of waiting will one day be swallowed up in the joy of His return.

Just as God comforted my heart during that difficult transition, He comforts us through His Word. What feels like an ending is often God preparing something greater than we can presently see. And above all, we hold on to the blessed assurance that our Saviour has not forgotten us. He is preparing a place for us, and one day He will come again.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in seasons of change and painful goodbyes. When my heart is troubled, help me to trust Your greater plan. Remind me that what I cannot understand today, You are already working out for tomorrow. Thank You for the promise that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that He will come again. Help me to live each day with hope, faith, and expectation. In Jesus' name, Amen.