Sunday, July 25, 2010

Home

I was born in Colorado Springs. I can’t remember the event but my birth certificate proves the date and location. Whenever I return to the Springs I feel like my batteries are getting recharged. Does that make any sense? Somehow, being in Colorado rejuvenates my spirit and I always look forward to a visit to that state. Yet, as beautiful as the state is, if I try to get in a workout by running at that high elevation, (lack of oxygen), I am quickly winded. After just a few days, my sinuses are affected and my lips quickly chap in the dry air.

Meditation
Psalm 73:24,25—You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards You will take me up in glory. Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.


In Philippians 3:19-21, the Apostle Paul describes the enemies of the cross by stating: “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things.” He then goes on to share:
but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

We live on earth in a temporary home. If Jesus is our Lord our longing should be to be with Him. Our best dwelling will be the place He creates for us in our redeemed bodies. If there is a lack of yearning for Him, a reluctant pining to reach home, we have a serious problem. This is not to say we cannot enjoy where we live or visit but certainly that our pleasure for any earthly place should pale in comparison to our desire to reach our permanent address. There trumps here or our love is corrupted by a spoiling of . . .

If our focus is on earthly things, we have a sick contentment and a mouth disinclined to proclaim Christ. If our eagerness is to unite with Jesus, our conversation should be expectant, pregnant with hope and shared with those whom we would never wish to miss eternal glory. Ambassadors work on behalf of their true homeland and represent the intent of their appointed leader. May those who are around us see our true allegiance and long to know the One we follow and reach the home where He is present!

Inspiration
If the disposition of the Son of God is in me, then heaven and God are my destination; if the disposition in me is not the disposition of God, my home is as obviously certain with the devil.—Oswald Chambers in The Shadow of an Agony