A Nesting Place - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year: Genesis 13-15, Matthew 5:1-26

I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2

Today's Scripture & Insight: John 14:1-4

Sand martins—small birds related to swallows—dig their nests into riverbanks. Land development in South East England reduced their habitat, and the birds had fewer and fewer places to nest when they returned from their winter migration each year. Local conservationists sprang into action and built an enormous artificial sandbank to house them. With the help of a sand-sculpting firm, they molded sand to create a space for the birds to take up residence for years to come.

This gracious act of compassion vividly depicts the words Jesus used to console His disciples. After telling them He'd be leaving and that they wouldn't be able to go with Him until later (John 13:36), He offered them the assurance that He'd "prepare a place for [them]" in heaven (14:2). Though they were rightly saddened that Jesus said He would leave them soon and that they could not follow Him, He encouraged them to look on this holy errand as part of His preparation to receive them—and us.

Without Jesus' sacrificial work on the cross, the "many rooms" of the Father's house wouldn't be able to receive us (v. 2). Having gone before us in preparation, Christ assures us He'll return and take those who trust in His sacrifice to be with Him. There we'll take up residence with Him in a joyous eternity.

By: Kirsten Holmberg

Reflect & Pray
When have you felt you weren't "at home" in this life? What do you most look forward to about heaven?

Thank You, Jesus, for preparing a place for me in heaven with You.