Homesick

"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they had come from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16

Dropping kids off at camp can be a challenging experience, particular the first time. Spending a week separated from mom and dad can be a scary proposition. One of our daughters cried herself to sleep every night holding onto the little notes we wrote for her for each day. There is something very special about a healthy home. Belonging and security to be sure. However, the biggest part of home is WHO is there.

The writer of Hebrews observed that the faithful God-followers in the past had a clear of vision of home as well. They weren't thinking about an earthly home. It was their heavenly home that was in view. They endured the ugliness of this world because they knew they weren't home yet. Their true home was perfect, void of sin and all its ugly expressions. Most importantly, God was there.

In our deep thoughts about life and its purpose, it's imperative, if we are a Jesus follower, to always remember that this world is not our home. We recoil at the many faces of evil. We grieve at injustice and cruelty. We tire of the never ending treadmill. We mourn as pain and suffering slashes our hearts. We try so hard to insulate and manage but to no avail. Why? We aren't home yet. Our heavenly homeland awaits.