What does the word “home” bring to mind?
Perhaps feelings of comfort and coziness or memories of family and friends. Though it may also conjure up feelings of loneliness and disappointment, or even uncertainty and despair.
Do you currently have a place you call home? Maybe your basic needs are met, but you don’t feel nurtured or attached to where you live. Or perhaps you are in a nomadic season, seeking out this place that feels so far out of reach.
As a person in my early 20’s, I am living out a crucial period where my peers and I are exploring what home means to us. When you don’t have a permanent place to call home, people often give the advice that “home” is not a building but a sense or a group that makes you feel at home.
Shifting gears for a moment, many of us who grew up attending Sunday School have heard or even acted out the parable of the two builders. One builds his house on sand while the other uses a solid foundation, rock. However, for the first time, a key element of this story stood out to me today.
Let’s read the passage together:
As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I [Jesus] will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.
Luke 6:47-49 (NIV)
These men weren’t constructing just any old building. They were building a house, a home likely for them and their families.
We are, in many ways, like these builders, especially if we are seeking out a sense of home. We crave consistency, comfort, and peace in a chaotic world.
When we place our sense of home in a group of people, even family, or in a specific place or building, we are likely going to be disappointed or hurt. People are susceptible to brokenness and can never be healthy 100% of the time. Natural disasters or violent outside forces have a way of shaking up the faith we place in earthly foundations.
But Jesus, He will never change. Jesus is pretty clear that He is the reason why the house built on rock flourishes through every storm that comes its way. He remains steady and faithful, our source of courage, strength, and comfort throughout any storm.
I’m certainly not trying to bash you for having attachments to people and places. In fact, I think it’s a wonderful sign of living out God’s call for intentional community and hospitality when we are able to grow alongside others and appreciate the gifts God has given us, such as a place to call home.
This simple reminder that Jesus is our home is meant to give you hope for the inevitable moments of loneliness and instability that come your way. Jesus wants to be our home, and this generous gift can be ours when we put our faith and trust in Him. Spend time getting to know Jesus, obey His words, and remain steadfast in faith even when the world teeters on collapsing.
You no longer need to search for home. Home is here with open arms, ready to embrace you and love you better than anyone else ever could. You are never alone. ❤
Lord, You have been the place of comfort for all people of all time. 2 Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, forever and ever, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 (NLV)
The Will to Wake Up 