Homeward Bound -2

What compels us to go home?

Last week we went back to our home state of New Jersey for vacation. It was hectic, relaxing and affirming—all at the same time!

Trying to visit everyone we wanted to see was hectic. They’re all on different schedules.

We did manage to get to the Jersey Shore. Boardwalk. Sea gulls. Ocean. Very relaxing.

Then we took our new grandson to meet his great-grandparents. We ate a lot of good food and spent some wonderful time with family. Being with family can be very affirming.

In every culture people try to go home. Eventually most people want to go back.

Why do we have such a deep longing for home? Perhaps the Bible gives us a clue.

“Now hold on just a minute! What does going home have to do with the Bible?”

Because the story of humankind’s first home is in the Bible.

The Bible tells us that, in the beginning, the first man and woman lived in the Garden of Eden. It was a place God made to fit them perfectly. It was their home.

In Eden they had a close personal relationship with our Creator, God. Everything they needed was in the garden. They were loved and accepted completely and unconditionally.

Then everything changed.

According to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were expelled from their home. They discovered that the world had become a very hostile place. But their sin prevented them from returning home.

Ever since humankind has longed to go home. To be homeward bound. To get to the place where we were loved, accepted and cared for. We think we will find it if we can just go home.

But even if we eventually return to our hometown, we discover everything has changed.

Try as we might, we cannot return to a time and place that now exists only in our minds. As someone once told me, “There’s no going back.”

Something in the human soul still longs for our ancient home in Eden where everything was perfect. But the truth is we will find it only when we reach our heavenly home.

The Bible says Abraham, the father of faith, was “looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.” Abraham lived in tents—temporary dwellings. According to the Bible, his longing for a permanent home was really a desire to be with God.

What’s more, Jesus said that when he returned to Heaven, he would “prepare a place” there for those who believe in him. The Bible explains that this place is not just for people of one race or nation. God wants everyone to be part of his ultimate heavenly home.

The only obstacle to keep us from reaching our ultimate home is the same one that kept Adam and Eve from going home--sin. But the message of the Bible is that God has provided a way home through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for sin. It’s a free gift God paid for.

Now the only thing standing between home and us is whether we trust in Christ as our savior.

On the cross Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was rejected from the family so we could be accepted in God’s family once again. And welcomed home.

As the Son of God, Jesus got what we deserved so we could receive what he deserved. So we could become sons and daughters of God and be homeward bound through faith in him.

Because of Christ, God invites us to come home.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!