Home Is Where The Heart Is

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.”– 2 Corinthians 5:1. 

Many say home is where the heart is, and an apartment, house, or dorm room does not necessarily make a place a home. A home is a place where you can feel comfortable and safe. Home is where you and your family can be secure, have all you need, and share your sadness and happiness. A place you belong. Home family, belonging…these are the subjects explored in the movie Lion. Home is more than a place. It is people, and Saroo has lost all that home is. Lost in Calcutta, Saroo is a thousand miles from home, from family. He is in a foreign place with people that are completely foreign to him. 

Life is portrayed in scripture as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and wisp of smoke. Very much in the same vein, the Bible compares life on earth to temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not your permanent home or final destination. You are just passing through, visitors on earth. The Bible uses terms like sojourner (Psalm 39:12 KJV)  alien and stranger (1 Peter 2:11-12  NASB), visitor ( 1 Chronicles 29:15) and traveler (Jeremiah 14:8)  to describe our brief stay on earth. 1 Peter 1:17 says, “And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Life is looking very bleak for Saroo and he worries if he’ll ever see his family again. He is homeless living on the streets. He is in a strange place. He needs to learn a new language and adapt to a different culture. Not a good situation for anybody let alone a 5-year-old. But are we all that different? There are a lot of people worried about the future these days. People are concerned about terrorist attacks, not having enough money for the future, financial collapse, and health issues to name a few.  Fortunately, Christians are promised a future that depends on something far better than economics or politics.  As the disciples were getting their last glimpses of Jesus, they were not sure what life would be like after He left them. Matthew tells us that “some of them doubted!” (Matthew 28:17) 

Jesus put their doubts about Him and the future to rest by assuring His followers that through faith in Him, their future would be secure. He said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)  Until then, we are just travelers on our way home. 

Discussion Questions:

1. The earth is not our home. Since we know everything on earth is temporary, why is it still so difficult to allow God to be in control? For you personally, what has been the hardest to give control of to God? 
2. While we are on earth, what do you feel is the specific mission God has called you to do with your life here on earth? What are some things you are doing this year to further equip you for that mission?