Where is Home?

This is Paul. I’ve known Paul, a skilled musician, teacher and recording studio owner for many years. His poor eyesight deteriorated; he’s been blind for many years. But he’s always been knowledgeable, enthusiastic, interested…

Recently he’s moved into a residential home. Yesterday in our local paper reported: ‘An 83-year-old pianist has charmed a care home audience… performed a special concert for fellow residents, family members and guests.’

Paul no longer lives in his own home; he’s in the right home for him today.

A few months ago an old, damaged memorial bench was removed from its Pakefield cliff-top ‘home’ and delivered to our Men’s Shed for refurbishment. For several months Men’s Shed was its home. Many, many hours were spent repairing it, sanding it down and painting it. There was planning, effort and careful restoration.

The bench was necessarily removed from its home. It was in a temporary home. It’s now back home again where it should be.

There’s been a lot in the news this week about Artemis 2 – taking off on Wednesday, orbiting the earth, heading for the dark side of the moon, finally returning to earth.

We’ve heard about the careful planning. We’ve seen the four astronauts… inside the spacecraft… their views of the earth. We’ve learnt about their toilet! Many are excited about gaining scientific, astronomical, knowledge…

The astronauts have left home, are currently living in a tiny temporary home, and eventually will return home.

Christians celebrate today as Holy Saturday. Jesus was crucified on the Friday; today his dead body is lying in a tomb…

Christians talk Jesus… leaving and returning to his heavenly home… coming to earth and making his home here… by his Spirit, making his home in the hearts and lives of those who would follow him.

Jesus’ home, like Paul, Artemis and the bench, involves aspects of careful planning, much to learn, exciting positive outcomes and final restoration. 

But for today Jesus’ home is a tomb; that’s the right place for him today.