Finally Home

As I was listening to the Sunday morning service (and in all honesty, trying to keep my thoughts focused on the message and not on my growling stomach, upcoming plans, and daily stresses), I was finding it difficult to truly connect with the words being spoken and the topic of Daniel in the Lion’s den. Chances are, if you’ve grown up in a church family or attended a private Christian school or university like I have, you know this story well enough to share it with those who are less familiar. 

King Darius had issued a decree that prohibited prayer to anyone/anything but himself. Daniel, being steadfast in his commitment to his relationship with the Lord continued to openly pray and was subsequently condemned to the lion’s den. But because of His faithfulness, the Lord was in turn faithful and delivered Daniel from harm. And eventually, everyone in Babylon came to worship the Lord. 

This is a beautiful story that depicts the Lord’s faithfulness to those who are committed to following Him, but (please forgive me for saying this), when I heard that the topic of the message was Daniel in the lion’s den, I quickly became disinterested. In my foolish mind I thought, “Well, there’s not much left for me to learn. I already know this story.” But thankfully, I was wrong. 

While the story does attest to God’s love and provision, it also highlights one very important aspect of Christianity that us Christians are quick to forget–the issue of citizenship. No, I am not talking about illegal immigration or how to move to a different country if Trump becomes the next President of the United States, (although that does sound like a good plan). 

Now, I don’t want to speak for all Christians, but I know this Christian finds it easy to become comfortable living in this world. The silly practices. The frivolous and sometimes ungrateful lifestyle. The negative, dejected outlook. And it’s easy to feel held down by the current circumstances. The ever-present poverty. The burdensome brokenness. 

And as I was sitting in my seat, listening to the timely message (given recent events and the current condition of our world), I was reminded of a time only a few weeks ago. I was driving home after successfully completing my first year of college, singing my heart out to one of my CDs (so old school!), and couldn’t contain my joy and excitement. My smile was a mile long and I’m pretty sure I looked like a goof to everyone I passed on the highway, but I didn’t care. I was finally going home. 

And that makes me wonder how we should feel about Heaven–our true home. As Max Lucado said in that sermon, “We are citizens of Heaven and should not feel at home when we are not at home.” And although that sounds terrifying to me because I tend to seek my comfort here on earth, I should be filled with awe and excitement that no matter what happens on this earth, I am not truly home until I am in Heaven with my Father.

My prayer for you is that despite the broken condition of our world, you hold onto all that the Lord has in store for you, eagerly awaiting your reunion with Him. I pray that you take comfort in this truth and always remember that you are citizens of Heaven and sons and daughters of the King of Kings. 

In Him, 

Gabi 

Philippians 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”