Homecomings are a great way to celebrate something you and others from past generations have in common. For instance, you may not know the graduating class from fifty years ago but you both celebrate the fact that your school belongs to you both. It brings a sense of community. You have a sense of pride when cheering on your school’s sports teams. Homecoming is a time for people to gather that have a history together and reconnect. It usually involves food, fun and lots of festivities. The best part is, no matter what the differences are in the people, everyone comes together under a common banner for this special time.
Not only do schools have homecomings, churches do too. Even if you moved out of your childhood community thirty years ago, chances are, you’ll try to get back for Homecoming at your church. This is a place that helped mold and shape you. People that served in ministry there will come back. People who have moved away for work will want to reunite with their brothers and sisters in Christ. This is special because these are people that may be temporarily separated by distance but will spend eternity together. It’s good to get together and encourage one another. “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:2-3 NLT) This was Jesus explaining to the disciples that a “momentary separation” is going to take place. During this time, He’s preparing everything in Heaven for their arrival and the disciples will be here doing their part to bring others there with them. This is why homecomings are important. We need, as Christ’s Church, to get together and remind one another of the mission. Nothing can compare with The Great Commission Jesus charged us with. “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” (Mark 16:15 NLT)
The Father is preparing a banquet and He wants as many to attend that will accept the invitation. How will they know they’re invited unless we tell them? “In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!” (Isaiah 25:6-8 NLT)
I recently lost my dad. Oh, he’s more alive than he’s ever been. He’s just not here anymore. He is presently with The Lord. I miss him terribly but God hasn’t called me home yet. I carry on doing what The Lord has called me to do here on earth. There are so many wonderful saints that have gone on ahead of us still living on this side of Heaven. They’re cheering us on as a reminder not to lose focus of the reason we’re here. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) At some point we will cross the finish line of this world and be reunited with those who have gone before us. It will be wonderful. This gathering will not last for just a long weekend. It will be an eternal homecoming.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.