“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 11:16 (NLT)
I’ve lived in eight different towns, two countries, and have been homeless for a short time in my life. No matter what, I’ve always been taken care of. Some places I lived were for a large part of my life and others were brief. I have happy and sad memories from each neighborhood. At each one, there was something lost and gained.
One thing I never felt, though, was settled. There’s always been something in my heart that felt I’m just not quite moved in yet. It has nothing to do with how many boxes are unpacked or pictures are on the walls. It’s not the same as discontent, either. It’s more like longing. It’s pain and pleasure all rolled into one–The pain of waiting and the pleasure of what soon will be. The pain of knowing it may get darker before it gets brighter. The pleasure of knowing that one day the clouds will lift. Forever.
Home? Not hardly. Foreigner, stranger, homeless even? Yep. There’s something far better to come. You may be feeling like a dog next to a dying fire who can’t get warm no matter which way he lays. Jesus knows how you feel. He felt that discomfort.
If you know Jesus, you need only to wait for the morning. That morning will be like no other. The master will come downstairs from His room. He’ll stoke the fire, start the coffee, and cook breakfast for the two of you. You’ll never be in need of anything again.
No matter how fancy your house was on earth, you will recognize the former life as destitution compared to the life you’ll have then. Something much more than a street address will tell your heart that you’re home. It’ll be His smile and an unearthly love. You will be perfectly accepted and able to talk to Him face to face. The fear you felt on earth in the best relationships will be gone for good. He’ll know everything about you and love you anyway.
