COMING HOME

Home—home is where the heart is.  The word summons images of a mother scurrying around the kitchen preparing a delicious meal for her family. It reminds us of the strength of a father’s arms lifting us up when we fall down.  There is the remembrance of the family Bible on the table.  We can almost smell the coffee perking in the morning, when we would rise to get ready for school, or of cookies in the oven when we came open after school.  So many memories.  Maybe you are making some for your family today.  Those children will remember for good or for bad—indelible impressions imbedded on their soul.

I think of coming home to God.  The prodigal son went to the far country and squandered his inheritance on wine, women, and wickedness.  When he ran out of money, he ran out of fair-weather friends, and his heart turned toward home.  There was a Father waiting with open arms, to forgive and restore—a son once dead, now alive; lost, but then found.  Have you come home to God?  Have you repented of your sins and raced to your Father’s house?

I think of returning home to church after wandering for a while.  Old Jacob couldn’t get along with his brother, was a bit of a disappointment to his father, and off he went away from Bethel (the word means the house of God).  Then came the day of his return.  Back to Bethel, back to the house of God and the rebuilding of an altar, in a restored relationship with the Lord, that was profound.  He would never be the same.  Jacob had a bit of a limp after that—a wrestling match with God he won by losing—but it was a sweet reminder of God breaking him in order to bless him.  Have you drifted out of church involvement?  Have you intended to come back?  Must God break you to get your attention?  Come back to the house of God—we will welcome you!

I think of going home—our real home in heaven.  There is coming a glad day when we reach that place we were fashioned for.  Home—safely home—in the glory of God’s radiance, to see Jesus face to face and fall in awe at His nail-scarred feet, to abide in the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit, and to see the saints of old while we embrace loved ones who died in faith.

Homecoming Day, September 9, is a time set apart to remind us of this holy trinity of truths.  The day begins at 10:30 in the auditorium.  In the words of the old Gospel song, “Oh what singing; oh what shouting; On that happy morning…!” when we have a joyous family reunion.  We hope Dr. John Tiller will be able to lead us to the throne of grace in prayer.  A very old Bible belonging to a charter member will be presented.  We will have a choir ranging from little children to senior saints.  Caitlin McCarson will join the choir in soul-stirring music.  Her husband Derrick will bring us God’s Word.  There are a number of other exciting things planned! Following the service, we will have a delicious dinner on the grounds.  The finest cooks in the world will prepare it—the members of Pole Creek. As we complete the meal we will move across the road to dedicate our beautiful new pavilion to the glory of God, and have an outdoor baptism!

Come home!  And bring somebody with you!