Grace Restoration Ministries

 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:10-11 ESV).

 

Just inside the door to our home is a special memento from our days in Tennessee. On our last trip to the Smoky Mountains before moving back to Texas Mary and I decided we needed something special to take back with us as a reminder of those years so near this favorite place of ours. As we drove along the Wears Valley Road between Pigeon Forge and Townsend we saw a small outdoor shop with lots of wood carvings out front. I safely negotiated a u-turn and went back to look at them. While we there I bought this bear with the “Welcome Sign” and ended up instructing the young men operating the shop in how to attach some legs to a table they had made! We enjoyed both the purchase and the fellowship.

 

Life can be brutal sometimes. People can be cruel. And there are days when you wonder where Jesus is, and whether he is really doing anything at all. Yes, we wonder.

Then there’s the matter of our sins. If you are beaten down because of your failures and mad at yourself because of your sins… well, I have some good news for you! Jesus always has the Welcome Sign out!

 

Big things are happening; Jesus’ ministry is gaining momentum. The disciples, like a championship sports team, are on a winning streak. And Jesus is just now on a leadership retreat with his disciples. He has purposely come to Bethsaida, a quiet place, to avoid people. But now he looks up and sees you, along with a multitude, coming. If there was a time for Jesus not to want to see people coming, this would probably be it. There were thousands of people, all dusty and sweaty and smelly. And, they were hungry. They needed to be taken care. But, Jesus welcomes them (v. 11).

 

And Jesus welcomes you. Can you believe that? He welcomes you. Though I can’t prove it, I think he is probably smiling. Happiness starts with knowing that Jesus welcomes you. He welcomes you now, to himself and to his family. Someday, when you die, he will see you coming, and he will still welcome you. If you’ve been away for a while, come on back home. There has always been a place for you!