Going Home

 

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV).

 

Mary and I have traveled to many parts of the world. It is a privilege we have enjoyed. In fact we have just been to France for one of the most incredible trips of our lives. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of Paris, touring the Seine, eating dinner in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, touring the Notre Dame Cathedral; we also spent several days in a 16^th century Chateau not far from Tours where we celebrated with Aaron for his wedding. It was wonderful! However, on the return flight to Dallas-Ft. Worth I began to reflect on the importance of home. In the coming days I will focus our attention on our real “home” as believers. My hope is that this will encourage you in your journey as it has me.

 

All of us, at some points in our lives, have had opportunities to go on trips, even if just for a day or two. Some of us may also have gone away to school or to find work, and we may have spent a long time away. Perhaps our time away was planned and gave us a lot of joy. At other times, though, our journeys can be unplanned and stressful. Our travels can be caused by events that prompt us or even force us to go and find a new home. Whatever the case, we need to know that at the end of the road there is a place where we can belong, a place we can call home.

 

The Christian life is like that. At times we can journey along peacefully, enjoying the blessings of comfort and joy that Christ brings. At other times we can feel stretched and challenged and even uprooted in our spiritual life. Though challenges can help us grow in faith, we need to know that along the way God is always with us.

 

Thankfully, the God who calls us to have faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, always cares for us, promising never to leave or forsake us. This is the God of grace and forgiveness, who fills us with his Spirit and welcomes us to enjoy life in his presence, giving us a place to call home wherever we may be. Remember the promise of God is to safely bring us to our eternal home! This is certainly what the Apostle Paul was recounting for those he wrote to in our reading today!