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Longing For Home
January 6, 2012

When our son Stephen was a youngster, he went away for a week at a Christian summer camp. Later that week, we got a letter from him that was addressed to “Mom and Dad Crowder” and simply said, “Please come and take me home today.” What his child’s mind couldn’t comprehend, of course, was that it would be days before we got his letter and more time before we could come for him. All his young heart knew was that he longed for home and for Mom and Dad—and that can be tough for a child.

Sometimes we can be like Stephen as we think about this world. It’s easy to think longingly about being with Jesus and begin to wish we could go to our “eternal home” (Eccl. 12:5) where we will “be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). As God’s children (John 1:12), we know that this world will never truly be home to us. Like the apostle Paul, we especially feel that way when the struggles of life are hard. While in Rome awaiting trial, Paul wrote, “I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). He loved serving Christ, but a part of him longed to be with the Savior.

It’s comforting to know that we can think ahead to being with Jesus—in a home that is far better.

To see His face, this is my goal;
The deepest longing of my soul;
Through storm and stress my path I’ll trace
Till, satisfied, I see His face! —Chisholm

There is no place like home—especially when home is heaven.

Read: Philippians 1:21-30

I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. —Philippians 1:23

Bible in a year:
Genesis 16-19

This is our time on earth, this is our privilege to tell others about Jesus, and to be salt and light in a dark world. It is a priceless assignment. We are to be simple and child like in our faith, and being zeroed in on knowing Jesus and him crucified, and we are his hands, feet, voice, and vessels containing his Word. We are to live in such a way as to bring glory to the message and goodness, and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. What an honor ... to be one of his soldiers on earth, bringing the message of redemption, deliverance, forgiveness of sins, mercy, hope, eternal life, and the GRACE of God to a lost and dying world. Stand strong, stand firm, and stand true before the God of all creation whose eye is on us. Hallelujah!!! Amen.

We are to know Him and make Him known.