May 12 - Homecoming

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ... 1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV

There's an old, well-known saying, “Home is where the heart is”. In other words, Home is the most important place in the world. Is this the thinking 'norm' for most people – for you? Nowadays we lead such busy lives that some are inclined to be of the opinion that, "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home" (a popular song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.) The song, first released in 1946, deals with the feeling of peace you experience when you get home and hang up your hat. Or do you yearn to wander in search of new experiences. Making the world your home?

Which of these is important to you. A location with a hat-rack that stirs special memories of happy family times? Or, a suitcase for a wardrobe, and a backpack as you move around the world? Me? I've always been a homebird. There's nothing for me, like the security of familiar walls, being with loved ones who know my fads and foibles....and oh the bliss of climbing into my own bed at night!

But, thinking of all the history and wonders of creation to be investigated around the world "places" on earth, I found I could agree with the statement. Home is really more than a particular locale. Home is where you can kick back and be yourself, where you feel most comfortable and in control of your environment, where you feel you belong.

For those who call God "Father", home has an even deeper meaning than anyplace we live on this earth. We long for our real home. "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8) We will be a thousand times more comfortable in our eternal home than ever on earth. We will be our true selves as was never possible before. Whether here on earth we are homebirds or suitcase toting backpackers, it makes no difference (Christ and His disciples proved the validity of both lifetyles) - eternal life will be the same for all of us.

How would you like to decorate your heavenly home? What you do on earth is like shopping for your future home. Your receipt of eternal life will show details of what you 'purchased' down here - love for, and belief in, Christ our Saviour....all your giving, and loving and forgiving, and good deeds, these will deck your walls and beautify your rooms.

This life on earth is a practice run, and opportunity, to mould our characters into the likeness of Christ's....through His grace, not through works.

Be thinking now about everything you want to take with you into eternity. Let us all make our decisions – now – today, before it's too late. Home with Jesus is definitely where the heart is, and it definitely is the most important place in the universes

Ah, home! Let's make a pact that our heavenly home is the place where together, we will hang our hats.

“I've Never Been This Homesick Before” (LIVE) our music today. Click on the picture to listen.