There is a Home

From the outside, modest and humble; but on the inside a family whose bonds flow far deeper then any lineage this world could offer.

As dusk settles to darkness, a warm and inviting glow comes from the window. For many who pass by on the street, there is little attention given to this house; most not even stopping to take a second look… in darkness they continue.

But for him who does stop, there is light. A quiet knocking that can be heard coming from the front door, curiously compels him to come closer. To reach the entrance, there is a lit cobblestone path through the garden. As he nears the front door, the knock becoming louder; both mysterious and inviting, he is drawn in. Opening the door, he is met by One who has the sincerest of eyes and knows him by name; taking his heavy coat, he is welcomed in. As he enters, he is filled with an unexplainable wonder that takes him back to his childhood… almost as if life has started again. His name, etched into the family tree which hangs above the mantel with the words ‘beloved son’ written below; he is home.

Seated by the warm fire, sits the Father of this home. A Father who provides for all of His family’s needs; giving endless reassurance, love, and support. His children are eager to come to Him to celebrate their accomplishments; while also safe in sharing their worries and fears. On those days where they just need an uplifting word of encouragement, He is there.

Of course like any good home, there are rules and the discipline necessary to ensure strength of character in all who are raised here; But, there are no expectations from the Father for His children to perform to gain his approval. Nothing they can do to make Him love them more and nothing they could do to make Him love them less… they are simply His Beloved.

While this image may bring comfort, not everyone can necessarily relate. For some there has been hurt or abandonment, for others a feeling of disconnect; in any case, absent is the experience and understanding of a healthy relationship between a child and their father.

It is in this absence that we carry personal wounds into our view of the True Father; we just can’t imagine how anything could be different. So while we may have entered into this home and family many years ago, we seldom feel at home. We convince ourselves that the love from our Father is dependant on our actions and carry a constant burden to live up to unrealistic expectations. As a result we lose a sense of residence and belonging in our core; instead feeling forsaken and destitute…

And yet, we are mistaken in the most heart breaking of ways, as our Father longs only to have relationship with us. In 2 Corinthians 6:18, He says “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be a son to me” In our exhaustive efforts, we have overlooked this promised union; along with the love He desires to bestow on us.

Men, it’s time to rest like a boy in the arms of His Father; knowing in this House, we are sons who truly Belong.