But being “at home” with the Lord is not only the privilege of the departed; it can be a present reality for living saints! The more conscious we are that He dwells within us, the more we shall be “at home” with Him. If anyone loves me... My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him (Jn 14:23).
Adam and Eve were more “at home” on earth with God than any of us will ever know. But then they sinned, and became homeless in a way we cannot possibly comprehend. Now Jesus has brought us home to our proper dwelling place (Eph. 3:17). Will you be “at home” for the Holidays?
Greg,
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I remember when visiting relatives/friends or being visited by relatives/friends for the Holidays: the fact that visits were not the same as taking up residence. You pointed out that God takes delight in making us His "home" because He has chosen to respond to our invitation for Him to dwell there. While we live on this earth and God through Christ by His Spirit makes His residence within us there is yet another "moving in"--Paul the apostle tells us in 1st Thessalonians that when Christ returns and we are caught up to meet Him "...so shall we ever be with the Lord." We will never, ever want or need a Holiday after that!
Stan
Thanks, Stan. You are so right. but it seems we can be as much 'at home' with Him as we desire. Remember the little booklet, "My Heart, Christ's Home"? He wants to completely occupy every room in our house (really it is now His house). I would like for my "home going" to be seamless, that is, I am so 'at home' with Him while yet on earth that when I reach my new home, it will not be so jarring to my system! I'll be prepared to be forever with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGreg
Greg, Thanks for the reminder about that tract. And what a great description of what God has provided for us to experience as the "norm", viz, a "seemless transition" between this life and the next!
ReplyDeleteStan
and thank you, Stan, for your many contributions.
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