September 27, 2021 -- Philippians 3:20 -- The Soul's Homesickness Soothed

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 ESV

Recently a senior couple joined our church. Both of them understand Dutch, but it is the man who speaks Dutch. I cannot tell you how that makes my heart jump with enthusiasm. I had a vague, unexpressed homesickness. Growing up as I did in S-W Ontario, I was always surrounded by people who speak Dutch. It was part of the air I breathed. Moving to Moncton has been a blessing for Carolyn and myself, let us make that clear. However, two plus years without hearing Dutch didn’t seem to matter to us much until I spoke with someone who both speaks and understands Dutch. I had this deep sense of ‘my people’.

It is that kind of joy we have when we know our citizenship is in heaven. Remember how many of us wept with joy at the first post-Covid lockdown worship service we attended? It was so good to be with the people of God. When another Christian speaks with me about King Jesus—the soul’s homesickness is soothed as together we eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ, the King Who is coming to His own.

King of kings and LORD of Lords, the Bible teaches us, You are coming soon. You, Holy Spirt, living within us and the Bride of Jesus, all His people, cry out “LORD Jesus come for Your Bride!” Father, the invitation You have given in the Bible is this: “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price”. Triune God, may many hear this invitation and by our lives and ardent witness may homesick souls by grace become fellow citizens of heaven and who join us in our eager expectation of Jesus’ return. Glory be to Your Name, O God, forever and ever! Amen!

https://youtu.be/4s0Zb189Sco