At Home

One of the greatest gifts we have is being able to find our true home. God is not only the Lord Almighty, he is also our Father and we can find our home with him. 

But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies - make your way straight before me. (Psalm 5:7-8 NIV)

Homecomings are very important. One of the things I particularly look forward to when I'm travelling is coming back home. After being away for a few days I begin to think about home. Of course, my wife and family are never far from my thoughts, it's just I begin to miss the familiarity of him. My armchair, my stuff, my 'normal' routine; not having to think about what's next, I can relax and, well, be at home.

Jesus makes a very important distinction between a slave and a servant in John 8. A slave does not belong whereas a son belongs to the family; he has a permanent place there. Many people live as slaves not knowing that they belong to the family. This is why a homecoming is so important. We need to know that we belong, that the Father has a place prepared for each one of us, a place that we can call home.

Homes are meant to be safe places, places of rest and peace. Sadly, that's not the case for many whose experience has been one of brokenness, chaos and pain. It's understandable why such people want to avoid anything called 'home' or why they prefer an isolated existence with limited interaction with others. 

The Father has a place for us all. It's a place in his heart that is reserved for you. It's a place where you'll feel secure and know that you're loved. It's a place where you will come to know that you are no longer a slave but a child of God. It's the place called home.