by Anne Mitchell
Homeward Bound
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” John 14:1-2
How often do you just get tired of how things are going in the world we live in? Welcome to the family of God. I say that because I believe none of us are exempt from feeling weary at one time or another. I have traveled on long journeys and so looked forward to getting back home, to a place that I am familiar with, a place that I can momentarily close myself off from the troubles of this world. When I see the star sitting up on the mountain, I know I'm home. The Bible tells us that this place is not our home; we’re just passing through. Imagine that, here we thought we were citizens of the United States. No matter how long we may be here, we're just passing through. Actually, there is a song by that title sung by Lyndal Randle. Have a listen; it always blesses me. https://youtu.be/RioUKQvW0Q8
I love reading the gospels. Jesus gives us all the instruction we need for a safe journey home. No matter what may happen as we journey through this life, our eyes and hearts need to be focused on Eternity. I often use the John 14:1-4 scripture at celebration of life services, but sad to say, for some, it may not be a celebration of the lives they've lived. It can be easy to get distracted by the cares of this world, but when we hold onto Jesus with all that is within us, He gives us strength to endure.
In the gospels, we've seen so many occurrences of the love, authority and power of Jesus. Whatever darkness you may have to walk through, He is always there to light the way. Wherever you may be in your journey, know that you are never alone. Jesus is on the shoreline with arms stretched out saying "Come to me, you can make it." If by some chance you think you can't make it, He will come to you; you only have to call out to Him. No mountain is too high, no valley too low, no sea too deep that He can't get to you. He dispels the dark ravages of diseases, heals the broken heart, and catches our tears.
When it is time to leave this world, we won't need a realtor to search for a home for us. Jesus is already there, in the presence of our Father, preparing that place for us. All we have to do is stay on the highway to heaven: Route 66 (in case you're wondering, that's all 66 books of the Bible). Don't get distracted. Keep your eyes focused on eternity and I'll see you at home; we're all just pilgrims here.
Love and Blessings,
Anne Mitchell