No matter how wonderful a vacation may be, at some point, we grow tired and just want to go home. When something bad happens to us at work or when we’re out and about, we have a desire to just go home. We naturally want to feel safe, secure and be in a comfortable environment.
Have you ever walked into a house or a building and something didn’t feel quite right? Perhaps it felt like the peace and joy had been sucked out of the place and darkness had settled in. I remember house hunting with my wife Maria and we walked into a couple of finely appointed homes that looked beautiful inside and out, but there was a bad spirit about the place. Something was off and we just wanted to get out.
Not so in GOD’s house, His home overflows with love and peace–Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In other words, Jesus restores relationships and connections. He is love, acceptance and safety.
We all long for this love and peace, and when Jesus makes all thing right and reconciles all things to himself, love and peace will permeate every building, every dwelling and every occasion.
My wife Maria and I invited all of the Pastors of our church into our home one night for food, fellowship and worship. After about an hour of food and fellowship, we began to worship Jesus with our voices and an acoustic guitar. A few minutes later, the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room. His presence brought so much love, joy and peace that it was almost tangible. The power of His sweet presence made tears of joy flow freely. Fears and doubts vanished. The Holy Spirit didn’t impress a specific message on our hearts, we just enjoyed His presence. His presence was enough. Sure, our home felt like a home before this occasion, but when the Spirit brought some Heaven into our home, it was all the more. The Bible says in John 17:24,
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
What a fabulous truth—GOD desires to spend an eternity with those who love Him and make His home our home. One day, we’ll be in a perfect environment and we’ll see the glory of GOD. We will see how truly beautiful He is. We’ll praise Him and say; “This is what I’ve always wanted—I’m finally home! Worthy is the lamb!”
Reflections
Jesus’ prayer teaches us that recognizing His beauty is what brings us joy and contentment. How has Jesus’ beauty shown up in your home?