Question submitted at the 12.13 worship gathering.

Vine Message team member Craig Sumey's response...

The simple answer to this great question is that Jesus is in heaven, waiting for just the right time when he will come again to earth to bring all things to fulfillment.  In the beginning of John 14, Jesus promises his disciples that he is going to leave them and prepare a place for them in his “Father’s house.” Then he will return and bring them to be where he is.  Heaven is the best place for Jesus to rule over his kingdom and sit at the right hand of the Father, where he intercedes for us when we pray to God.  That’s why, when we pray, we pray “in the name of Jesus.”  We believe Christ himself delivers our prayers to the throne of God, and gives them his stamp of approval and agreement.

But Christ also is present in our hearts, every moment of every day, no matter where we are, through the Holy Spirit.  Later in John 14, Jesus promises that the Spirit will come and be our Helper, reminding us of all Jesus has taught, helping us understand His Word and truth, and bringing us into fellowship with other Christians.

So even though he departs physically and dwells in heaven, we believe him when he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”