Home is not the house itself

by Tracy Steel

Our last move across state lines was a challenging one for my children. So when our new home was finally ready, the children’s rooms were the first to be unboxed and arranged.

In fact, I couldn’t wait to show them their new rooms. My heart was blessed as they rushed in and saw their beloved toys and beds. They knew they were finally home. The wait was over. 

However, as much as my children love their new rooms, they will not stay in them for long. They love to follow me around the house. They long for my presence. To them, home is not their room, it is wherever mommy is!

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Jesus finished washing the feet of the Disciples. To add to their confusion, Jesus told them that He would be leaving them (John 13:33) and that they could no longer be with Him. Jesus was “moving” so to speak, and His beloved friends were about to be uprooted.

Knowing the condition of their troubled hearts, Jesus said:

Do not be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

~John 14:1-4 NIV (emphasis mine)

There is a room in the eternal house of God for those who have called on the name of Jesus to save them.

Friend, our home is where the presence of God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are. We, the forgiven and redeemed, will dwell with them for forever, and ever, and ever.

As another move is upon me, I need to be reminded of this and remember where I am headed. My new home and zip code isn’t it.

Fellow movers, be encouraged:

Jesus is in Heaven.

He is preparing…

He will come back and take us home.

Through the eyes of my children, I caught a glimpse of what awaits. Home is not just a room.

Jesus is where home is.