Welcome Home

Bible Reading: John 14:2; Romans 5:9; Philippians 3:20

As the car stopped in the cul-de-sac, Kerry gazed out the window in breathless awe. It was a small house, but plenty bigger than the studio apartment where she and Mom lived now, with a garage, porch, and huge windows. And in the front yard, behind the wire-framed SOLD sign, stood a spreading oak tree with a tire swing.

“Mom, I love it!” Unbuckling her seat belt, Kerry leaped from her booster seat and darted out to try the swing. She rocked and swayed for a few minutes. When she finally stopped to rest, Mom stood on the sidewalk, grinning wide.

Kerry ran and hugged her mother around the waist. “Is this place really ours now?”

Mom tousled Kerry’s hair. “As long as I pay the mortgage.”

Still a bit dizzy from all the swinging, Kerry tried to understand the strange, new word. “What’s a mork-edge?”

“A mortgage is a special kind of loan. This house costs so much that I can’t just pay for it like a toy or a loaf of bread. I asked the bank for the money, and now I have to pay them back.”

Confused, Kerry looked up. “So this house really belongs to the bank?”

Mom nodded. “Until I pay it off.”

“How long will that take?”

“Thirty years.”

“Thirty years?” Kerry frowned. “That’s, like, forever.”

“Sweetie, it’s all right. That’s what most people need to do in order to buy a home.” Mom knelt to look into Kerry’s eyes. “But we also have a home that’s already been fully paid for.”

Kerry’s eyes widened. “We do? Where is it?”

“In heaven with Jesus, and the kingdom He will one day establish on earth when He returns. Because we trust in Jesus, our home is with Him. It’s way better than any house, yard, or tire swing in this fallen world. But because of our sin, it costs more than we could ever pay. So Jesus paid for us. When you trusted in Him, you received a place in God’s home forever.”

“Forever?”

“Yes, forever-forever. Not thirty years–forever.”

“I get it.” Kerry smiled. “Jesus is like my mork-edge for heaven!” She broke away to explore the backyard.

Chuckling, Mom called out. “Better! No monthly payments!” -John Leatherman

How About You?

Did you know that Jesus purchased a home for you that’s better than any house or apartment you’ve ever lived in? He paid the price of your sin on the cross so you could live with Him in heaven forever. You don’t have to do anything to earn it—it’s a free gift. Trust Jesus as your Savior. Then you will have a place in His eternal home!

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 5:9 Now that we have been saved from the punishment of sin by the blood of Christ, He will save us from God’s anger also. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus paid for our heavenly home