Building New Homes

New homes are in the news.

The Middle East peace talks, between Palestinian and Israeli delegations, will have to address the issue of the new homes being built on the Palestinian West Bank by Israeli settlers. One person's new home becomes a problem for another person.

In the UK, very few new homes are currently being built. Yet the Chief Executive of Legal & General says that his huge company has plans to invest vast sums in building new homes for the younger generation. This might bring hope to the thousands who cannot afford a new home under current conditions. But there will be those who feel their 'green and pleasant land' is being destroyed by becoming a housing estate!

Much of the Bible story is about slaves and exiles finding a new home as part of God's generous gift. 

The prophet Hosea, writing at a time of when kings and leaders were not giving a godly lead, provides a great promise of future hope. 

'For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.

And when I roar, my people will return trembling from the west.Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt. Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria. And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord.' (Hosea 11.10-11) Home was not a particular place, but a people who were glad to be under God's rule and authority.

Jesus described himself at the Good Shepherd, who would bring the lost sheep home. '“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.' (John 10.14-16)

For all of us, our true home lies in being with God, as revealed to us in Jesus. At the end of time, we have this promise to which we can look forward. 'I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21.3-4)

Today, I want to thank the Lord for this wonderful promise, which beats all the promises of politicians and business people. Home is with God!

Best wishes,

Richard