Hebrews 11:13-16

"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."

Hebrews 11:13-16

 

We just got home yesterday after a vacation.  It was great: family, fishing, hiking; wonderful things!  Surprisingly not a lot of 'rest' even though that was the 'purpose' of our trip.

 

It is wonderful to get back home.  Today is going to be a busy day of de-vacationing, we have a couple of things to do with friends, get ready for the day at church and back to the 'real' world (and begin the transition to a new chapter in our lives at church).  I (almost) wish we had come back one day earlier so all this could have been spread out--but then I wouldn't have been able to teach that pesky trout a little respect for taking 4 of my worms before I took him!

 

As wonderful as both vacation and being home is, I was listening to the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Not home yet" song rolling down the 395 yesterday and was reminded of the truth of these verses.  I am not home yet; may I never be "too content to say I am not home yet!"  God is not ashamed of me because He has put within my heart a faith, a trust that whatever good this world can give me it is nothing compared to what awaits in my homeland I have never yet seen. 

 

Oh praise Jesus!  I am so glad to be Yours!  Thank You for a 'break' while I am in this world.  I pray Jesus that You would work in me so that I am still 'Yours' while on vacation; that I would not take 'vacation' from being Your child.  God work in me and through me so that all who see me (whether 'in season' or 'out of season') they recognize good works from me and give glory to You.

 

Praise You Father for the creation we enjoyed last week.

Praise You Son for the redemption I enjoyed with Your people last week.

Praise You Spirit for the grace to enjoy them both.

 

Looking for home together,

Pastor Greg