READ: LUKE 23:43; HEBREWS 3:3-6; 11:13-16

Home, sweet home,

The volatile, the vile memories

Of tears, and shrieks, and all the while

The place meant to be safe is anything but,

And the place meant to bring warmth…

Freezing, we are exiles.

Exiles battered by the pounding rain of

Bruises and divorce, of foreclosures

And, of course, the silence that wraps us

In a home sweet homely hug.

Home, sweet home,

How sweet the sound of

Thy kingdom come and heavenly bound.

No tears, no screams…just light beams,

Reflecting off the golden streets.

This country I seek,

The here but not yet here.

When it comes, shining as the sun,

I’ll crumple to my knees, sighing.

“Home at last. Home at last.” • Hope Bolinger

• What does home mean to you?

• In Jesus, God took on flesh and bones to dwell with us and, ultimately, to be a home for us (John 1:1-3, 14; 14:23). Because He loves us so much, Jesus died and rose again so we can be with God. What will home look like for those who’ve put their trust in Jesus after He returns and raises us from the dead? (Hint: read Isaiah 11:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:1-5, 21; 22:1-5)

• Jesus is making all things new, and even though the world is still broken and full of sin right now, He is still with us. He has so much compassion on us, and He provides rest and stability in the midst of our struggles. Can you think of a time you were reminded of God’s love and care for you in a difficult time? What was that like? Were there any particular ways you noticed God providing for you?

• If you or someone you know is experiencing home or family instability, who is a trusted adult you could talk to, such as a pastor, parent, teacher, coach, counselor, or youth leader?

• If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, and especially if your situation is potentially life-threatening, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area) or go to the local hospital emergency room right away. If you need help doing this, who is a trusted person you can reach out to?

• If you are not in immediate danger but need someone to talk to about hurts you have experienced or are currently experiencing, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. Hebrews 11:14 (NIV)