I try to be more faithful with the blog, but I guess my time is limited these days. Yesterday I spent the day on an island that I've never had the chance to explore out in the lake. It was fun, relaxing and I thought of how it seemed like we warped back in time to a different era. There I saw an older church and took a photo of the door. It impressed me because of what it said since it is true, in part, but later I realized the repercussions of the lie. (It is still a lovely, old door.)
The Christians' Home
Just where is the Christians' home? Is it here in the dwellings where we live with our family? Is it here in the building of our spiritual families' gathering- otherwise known as church? Yes and yes, but only partially. If all of our natural family and all of our 'church' family abandoned us, who are we left with? Ourselves and Almighty God. If we were alone on an island anywhere in the universe, we would not really be alone, for our God is ever with us. It is with Him that we make/ have our temporary, earthly home. It is only temporary because one day we will be in the home He has prepared for us. Hallelujah!
Family
Jesus was told about his natural family at the door. "And He answered and said to them, My mother and My brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it." (Lk. 8:21) Jesus was not being dismissive of His natural family, but rather indicating that those who follow God and His Word are His family. Also, we are to "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (Jh. 15:12)
God with us
(the Lord said) ..."Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" Hb. 13:5
...Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. For Jehovah your God is with you in all places where you go. Js. 1:9
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you... Is. 43:2
...I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen. Mt. 28:20
Right now we see with our eyes only the temporary dwellings we live in and that which is our bodies. Neither will last forever (thank God) as they are corrupted and decaying every minute. That is why we can only be residents and pilgrims here, for these are only temporary homes to us. They are not eternal like the glorified bodies and dwelling place that God is preparing for us to live in, forever with Him.
we not considering the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are not lasting, but the things which are not seen are everlasting. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2Cr. 4:18; 5:1
Dearly beloved, I exhort you as temporary residents and pilgrims... 1Pt. 2:11
-one who lives in a place without the right of citizenship
-one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives
So it is dangerous for us to think of this earth and body as our home. It could lead to discouragement and hopelessness. We need to remember our true home so that hope lives in us and we share that hope with the world around us, so that they too may desire the Living God who gives life eternal.
Our citizenship is not here in the earth and body that dies, but in the ones that will never end but will live uncorrupted. Imagine a body that does not hurt, become diseased, fail or die. Imagine a world without sin, and one where we will see Jesus face to face--- forever...
Never to be separated again!!!
For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which also we are looking for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Php 3:20
Then being always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are away from home from the Lord; ... then we are confident and we are pleased rather to go away from home out of the body, and to come home to the Lord. 2Cr. 5:6,8
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. Jh. 14:2,3
Thank You Lord Jesus for reminding me this is only temporary. My troubles can NOT last forever. One day I will be home with You, with my new body in an earth that cannot be ruined and death will exist no more.
Oh Lord, how great is Your love...