+DEV+ The Homecoming

Date: April 19, 2010 12:48 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Homecoming

The Homecoming

"Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate" (Luke 15:23, 24).
Scripture Focus: Mark 8:34-37

The old farm is buzzing because tomorrow Johnny comes home from the war! The aroma of his favorite pie is in the kitchen. Mom is doing all those last minute things that moms do to get the house ready. Dad is working extra hard in the field. Tomorrow they will celebrate.
But suddenly, the dogs begin to bark wildly as a car pulls up to the gate. Mom looks out the window and sees Johnny running up the driveway with a huge grin on his face. Dad jumps off the tractor, Mom races down the steps, and the homecoming celebration starts early. Johnny's home!

When Jesus told the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, he was showing us the value of one soul and how He was willing to lay down His life-and go out and search-for that one individual. The heavenly Father is not willing that any should perish. God's arms are always open to receive us, nobody is turned away. The homecoming down on the farm is just a glimpse of the homecoming we'll know in heaven.

Insight: Without Christ we are dead, lost, and hopeless. With Christ we are found, alive, and have eternal hope.