This teaching reflects on the Christian longing for heaven, our true and eternal home. Drawing from John 14, the imagery of the Father's house with many mansions emphasizes the unity and communal nature of heaven. It's not a scattered collection of dwellings but a singular home, prepared by Christ through His work on the cross. The nails and wood of His passion symbolize the preparation of this eternal place for His bride, the Church.
Our current earthly dwellings, by contrast, are marked by decay, frustration, and endless upkeep, reflecting the fallen nature of the world. Whether it's leaking roofs, malfunctioning appliances, or crumbling systems, these experiences underscore the transience and brokenness of this life. Yet, instead of lamenting the burdens of this world, the teaching encourages us to focus on a longing for the unchanging, maintenance-free, and perfect home that awaits in heaven--a dwelling not subject to the curse of sin.
This yearning, as expressed by theologians like John Gerhardt, is deeply rooted in Scripture. Passages such as Philippians 3, remind us that our citizenship is in heaven, where we await the transformation of our lowly bodies to be like Christ's glorious body. This longing is not mere escapism but a natural feature of the Christian faith--a recognition that this world is not our ultimate home. As exiles and sojourners, we endure here with a purpose: to further God's kingdom, knowing that our true home is in the "land of the living," where death is no more, and life with Christ is eternal.
Believers are invited to embrace this hope, seeing it as the source of strength and direction amid the trials of life. Instead of dwelling on the frustrations of the present, we are called to fix our eyes on the joy of the life to come.