Walk-on Wednesday - The Homecoming - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 NLT

The celebration was the highlight of the church year.

In the lower regions of South Carolina, church homecomings are immaculate celebrations that take a great deal of preparation. Normally held in the fall of the year, they are attended by current members, previous members, family members, previous pastors, and anyone wanting a free meal.

Barbeque is often the meal of choice, and churches prepare pounds of meat and hash. They also plan months in advance by mailing letters to former members and pastors and placing announcements in local newspapers and on local radio stations. Men stay up all night cooking.

On the day of, worshipers pack the churches. Some churches host singing groups to top off the day. After services, congregants gather for the feast, enjoying the company of those they haven’t seen since the previous year’s celebration.

As wonderful as homecomings here are, they’ll never match the ultimate homecoming that will occur when Christ returns. Some will be alive to witness it, while those who have died in Christ will return with him. Christ came the first time to pay humanity’s sin debt, but his second coming will put an end to all sin and corruption and usher his followers into a perfect eternity.

Homecomings took months of preparation, and we always knew the date. Jesus says no one except the Father knows the date of the final homecoming. Readying ourselves for the end time homecoming requires only one thing: trusting Christ as Savior. We serve him and others because of that decision, but the decision—not the actions—is what prepares us.

When we’ve taken care of the above, it won’t matter when Christ comes—or if we’re even alive. We can wipe the sweat of our labor from our brows and hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of your Lord.”

In what ways are you preparing for the Homecoming?

Prayer: Father, we look forward to the eternal homecoming with You and all believers. 

Tweetable: Are you prepared for the final Homecoming?

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