The task of acquiring a house is exhausting. First comes the search, spending many hours looking at houses. Then comes the negotiation on price and terms. Once that is agreed upon, then the endless paperwork begins. After that comes moving day with its own burdens and struggles. Now we have a house. But it is not yet a home. The home comes when we pour our love into each other. We build up our home when we build each other up.
In John 14:23 Jesus speaks of another home when He says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our home with him.” Those who love Jesus have a special relationship with God. They will do whatever Jesus asks because they are assured of His love. And Jesus promises that both He and the Father will make their home with us. They actually come to live with us, but also in us. They make their home with us to encourage us, build us up, and pour out their love, grace and mercy to us. I enjoy my home on earth, but the home that Jesus and the Father have made in me is wonderful in every way.
Reluctant Retiree 