Why Empty Mansions

Someone may ask why the blog title “Empty Mansions”. I must admit that this is not the title I had in mind at first when I started this blog. “ALMOST HOME” was the choice after the quote that has always been ringing at the back of my mind since I have been redeemed. In the book “Our High Calling” chapter 361 E G White said:

The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home. I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound! Rapidly we are nearing the time when Christ will come to gather His redeemed to Himself.--Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1913.

Yes we have a home up above; a home where there is no sorrow, no grief, no tears and all is in perfect harmony.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. –Rev 21; 4

In John 13 when Jesus told His disciples that He was about to leave planet earth, the disciples they could not rejoice. Fear fell upon them. Jesus looking upon them with divine love gave them words full of hope. He pointed them away from "the things which are seen," to "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.

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. –John 14:1-3

These are the words that have brought hope to every follower of Christ throughout all generations. This is the hope that burns within our hearts. And it is not a "hanging on hope" or "nothing left what else can I do hope". It is not a "wishful thinking hope". This is the blessed hope and it is rooted and grounded in the God of heaven the Author of hope. The book The Great Controversy records the most thrilling words ever:

“The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers. The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the "appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" was the "blessed hope." When the Thessalonian Christians were filled with grief as they buried their loved ones, who had hoped to live to witness the coming of the Lord, Paul, their teacher, pointed them to the resurrection, to take place at the Saviour's advent. Then the dead in Christ should rise, and together with the living be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. "And so," he said, "shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.”—The Great Controversy p302

Yes this is the hope that burns within our hearts. Jesus gave the words about 2000 years ago and yet here we are today still longing for a day without death and a dawn that will wipe away the darkness. And mansions that await God’s people are still empty. How long will the promised mansions be empty? This is the question that prompted this blog.