Coming Home

Coming Home: The Journey of Return and Redemption

Have you ever felt like you've wandered too far from where you're meant to be? Perhaps you've made choices that have left you feeling empty, bitter, or lost. The good news is that no matter how far you've strayed, there's always a path back home – and that journey of return can be the beginning of a beautiful redemption story.

Let's explore this theme through two powerful narratives: the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son. These stories, though separated by centuries, echo the same profound truth about God's love and the transformative power of coming home.

The story of Ruth begins with Naomi, a woman who left her hometown of Bethlehem during a famine, seeking a better life elsewhere. After losing her husband and sons in a foreign land, she decides to return home. Accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi arrives in Bethlehem feeling empty and bitter. She even tells the townspeople to call her "Mara" (meaning bitter) instead of Naomi (meaning pleasant).

What Naomi fails to see in her bitterness is the blessing right in front of her. She returns at the beginning of the barley harvest – a sign of provision. She has Ruth by her side, loyal and devoted. Yet, blinded by her pain, Naomi misses these glimmers of hope.

This echoes a challenge we all face: how often do we let our disappointments and hurts blind us to the blessings still present in our lives? It's a reminder that even when we feel we've lost everything, God may be orchestrating a new beginning we can't yet see.

Now, let's turn to Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son. A young man demands his inheritance early, essentially telling his father, "You're as good as dead to me." He leaves home, squanders everything on reckless living, and finds himself in dire straits – so hungry he longs to eat the pods fed to pigs (a particularly poignant detail for a Jewish audience).

In his moment of rock bottom, the son "comes to himself." He realizes that even his father's servants have it better than he does now. So he decides to return home, ready to beg for mercy and ask to be treated as a hired hand.

But here's where the story takes a beautiful turn. While the son is still a long way off, his father sees him and is filled with compassion. He runs to his son, embraces him, and celebrates his return. Instead of condemnation, there's a robe, a ring, new sandals, and a feast.

This parable paints a vivid picture of God's heart toward us. No matter how far we've wandered or how much we've squandered, He's watching the horizon, ready to run toward us the moment we turn back. Our return is cause for celebration in heaven.

Both of these stories highlight some crucial truths about coming home:

1. You can come back even if you're bitter. Naomi returned despite her resentment. The prodigal came back despite his shame. God can handle our honesty and our hurt.

2. Don't let bitterness blind you to blessings. Naomi almost missed the new beginning God had for her because she was so focused on what she had lost.

3. Every return is the beginning of redemption, not the end. Coming home is just the start of a new chapter God wants to write in your life.

4. God celebrates every return. Just as the father threw a feast for his wayward son, God rejoices when we come back to Him.

5. The church should mirror God's welcoming heart. We're called to celebrate and embrace those who are returning, not judge or question their motives.

These stories remind us that no one is ever too far gone. Consider the anecdote of Robert Robinson, the hymn writer who penned "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Years after writing those beautiful lyrics, he had wandered from his faith. One day, he overheard a woman humming his hymn. When she reached the line, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it," Robinson was moved to tears, confessing, "I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn, and I would give a thousand worlds to enjoy the feelings I had then."

Even the one who wrote about being "prone to wander" found his way back. His own words became the instrument God used to stir his heart toward home.

This brings us to a vital point: if you feel far from God, it may simply be that you're facing the wrong direction. The moment you turn around, you'll find Him right there, arms open wide. He's been pursuing you all along.

For those who have never said "yes" to Jesus, today could be your day to come home for the first time. And for those who have wandered, remember that God gives blessing in the return. He celebrates when we come back, no matter how messy or broken we may feel.

Maybe you relate to Naomi, feeling empty and bitter about life's disappointments. Perhaps you see yourself in the prodigal, having squandered what was given to you. Or you might identify with Robinson, remembering a time when your faith felt more vibrant and real.

Wherever you are, know this: the journey home begins with a single step. God's grace is powerful enough to bind our wandering hearts to Him. He can handle your doubts, your anger, and your brokenness. All He asks is that you turn toward Him.

As you reflect on these truths, consider:
- What area of your life feels distant from God right now?
- Are there blessings you might be overlooking because of hurt or bitterness?
- How can you take a step toward "home" today?

Remember, in God's economy, every return is a reason to celebrate. Your comeback story is waiting to be written. Why not let it start today?