Homeland

“If you find yourself with a desire that no experience in this world can satisfy, then the most probable explanation is that you were made for another world.”

Hebrews11:14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (ESV)

Hebrews11:8 "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. (ESV)"

I have very often thought about these scriptures. In the past it helped me a lot when times were tough. The reason why it helped me is because it gave me perspective. I have learned that perspective is very important to me. 

I have recently realised that I am very much an idealist. I am idealistic when it comes to people and life. I would like to state that after being on this earth for 35 years I am still an idealist! Isn't that amazing! Haha. I can't help hoping for the best in most situations and what makes me an idealist is that I really believe the best can and will happen!

2 books that have made a huge impression on my heart and mind in life are; Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis, and a short book called Heaven, by DL Moody. 

2 quotes from Mere Christianity that impacted me heavily where the following;

"A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.

It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is.

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next."

Moody's book Heaven was full of testimonies and allegories about where we are going when passing through the veil of death. When I read it, it was the first time in my life that a genuine desire to be with God in Heaven was stirred.

The 2 quotes from Lewis's book spoke to me on a deep level regarding a longing to see God's kingdom come on earth. It brought perspective to my desire to see things improve here and now, in my family, in my church, in my city, country and the world at large!

In an earlier season in my life I felt I was way too heavenly minded. When I realised it I pretty much headed in the opposite direction, trying to understand life, God and everything else through the lenses of this world. Only recently have I started to respond to 'the great hunger' in me to see through heaven's lens. 

I started this blog with a picture of Scotland for many reasons. I had the privilege of visiting the country twice when I lived in the UK, and ever since I have been left with an impression in my heart that pulls me longingly in its direction.

Many times, people use the term 'the grass isn't always greener on the other side'. I agree with this term based on something I have been discovering in my own heart.

Ecc 3:11 "He has planted eternity in the human heart" (NLT)

My family and I recently decided to make the trek up north and settle down in Gauteng for a season. This is not a very popular move in South Africa, where the general direction of relocations is down to the coast.

Without sounding too grandiose, we honestly felt we must move and that it is part of God's plan for us. Many times in my life God has brought me back to the story of Abraham. This life move of ours has been one that reminds me of his move out from his family's hometown.

Genesis 12 1 "Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you."" (ESV)

Now I come to my point,

Often, when thinking about a holiday, or more dramatic still wanting to leave the place you're living for 'greener pastures', there is a deep longing for 'another place', a place that is so much better, more peaceful, safe and more prosperous than the here and now.

I honestly believe that this desire ultimately points to Heaven.

In a sense, and I'm sure many will agree, we will never find the desire ultimately fulfilled on any holiday or in any move that you make towards a 'better place'.

As much as I myself enjoy a good holiday, and many days wish I wasn't here (wherever here is), I nowadays tell myself 2 things:

1.) You are here for a reason and for a purpose, press in!

2.) The homeland is calling, is real and is worth seeking out and waiting for!

The great places of this earth (there are many and I am genuinely intrigued by them) are only ever a glimpse through a dark glass when compared to where we are all heading in God's eternity, it's written in our hearts!