Jesus to us: “Abide in me—abide in my love“ (Jn.15:4, 9).
Dear Jesus, a great song from a dear friend greeted me as I awoke today: “Though you are homeless, though you’re alone, I will be your home. Whatever’s the matter, whatever’s been done. I will be your home. In this fearful fallen place, I will be your home. When time reaches fullness, when I move My hand, I will bring you home … I will be your home.” (Michael Card) Wet eyes and grateful heart—what a way to start this Thursday.
I’ve lived on Melville Street, Oakwood Lane, Rosewood Vally Drive, and Highgrove Circle—meaning I’ve lived in houses on those various streets. But more than ever I am so grateful to be able to say you are my Home, Jesus—my heart habitat, permanent address, domicile of delight, happy place, grace-sanctuary, and residence of rest. Hallelujah, and thank you.
A house has an address; a home has a heart. “Home is where the heart is”; much more so, our home is where your heart is, Jesus. Wherever you are, that’s where we want to be. By the riches of the Gospel, our most permanent, glorious, welcoming, peaceful, safe, and joyful address is “in Christ.”
However, sometimes good friends say to us out of concern: “Your lights are on, but nobody’s home.” Meaning, “I know you’re present, but you seem 10,000 miles away—distant and disconnected. Jesus, when you have to say that to us, “bring us home”—by whatever means necessary. We know you will never leave for forsake us, but we’re prone to wander. Bring us home, Jesus. Reignite our fellowship and intimacy with you. Teach us afresh about a life of abiding in you and in your love. Nothing matters more. So Very Amen.
