There comes a time in life when we need to know where our true home is. For many years, Jacob was a wanderer. Even when he settled in a place for many years, he did not think of himself as being at home (Genesis 29:25). And when he finally thought he had come home, he was again uprooted by his long-lost son’s invitation to move to Egypt.
It would have been understandable for Jacob to give up hopes of having a home and to let circumstances determine where he focused his energy. But instead, as he prepares to die, he summons his son Joseph and extracts a solemn promise. In effect, Jacob tells his family, “Never forget where home is.” Instead of merely living in the moment, he calls attention to God’s promises and to God’s ongoing work that goes beyond the present circumstances.
Often we fall into the trap of settling in a place where God hasn’t finished working in us. We settle for keeping up appearances or living “the good life” instead of reflecting on the ways God is redeeming us from sin and self. But our ultimate home is not in a vision for our future that says we’ve “arrived” in life. We have been created to belong to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has prepared a home for us (John 14:2-3).
Do you know where home is?
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself for us so that we can have the home you have prepared for us. May our lives reflect that our true home is with you. Amen.
About the author — Joel Vande Werken
Joel Vande Werken has been a pastor since 2007, serving churches in Sussex, New Jersey, and in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Brandie, have five young children.
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