Ephesians 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Have you ever felt like you were coming home to somewhere you belonged? I grew up in a small town. Though I have lived in several large cities there is a certain feeling that you get when you return to that hometown. You know who is driving by and when, you know where everything and everyone lives and where they usually are. You get that same feeling in returning home from a trip where you stayed in a hotel. Sure, the hotel can be really nice, but when you get home you are in your place. Some find this confining, but I find it comforting. I am at home.
As we begin life’s journey we are fearfully, and wonderfully, made by God. We are also burdened with the sin of Adam and Eve. The sin that we are born into as the children of transgressors of God’s Laws itself condemns us. We also add to that burden daily in thought, word, and deed. The Bible has sharp words for those who deny this in 1 John 1:8 we hear, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
We are creatures made by God, yet we cannot be with Him because He is Holy, and we are not. That is where Epiphany comes in. The magi knew the Messiah and worshiped Him. We come to God by the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13-14 we hear, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
Through that declaration we know that Jesus is the Messiah who came to free us from the slavery of sin. We gather together to hear the Word through which the Spirit Works. He gives us Jesus righteousness. We are returned to the righteousness that Adam and Eve enjoyed in the perfect garden by this. We come home. And home is a wonderful place.
Prayer: Lord in Heaven, we thank you for the blessings of home. We thank you for the people we know and love. As we go through life remind us constantly of our true home in Your Church and in Heaven. Allow us to share our home with others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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