Usually during the month of August, we take a long holiday to visit our homeland. However, due to the COVID 19 this year, there may be some families decided not to return to their places. For now, let us think about what it means by a homeland.
“Facing the mountains in my homeland, being speechless. How blessing those mountains are to me.” This is a poem by Ishikawa Takuboku. There must be many of us truly believe it is true. Being free from those busy daily life, the mountains in our homeland always welcome us with full of peace and comfort. The homeland is the place that provides us with true relief. Those homeland goers do not mind being in packed in the Shinkansen on their way, because they know that such a homeland is waiting for them. No better feeling of relief than returning to a homeland.
By the way, do you know that the Bible also talks about the homeland of your soul?
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)”
According to the Bible, people were created by the creator, our God. In spites of it, people had separated themselves from God, just like sheep going astray. It says because they were separated from God, they do not know the purpose of their life, or having worries, fear and tensions. It teaches to “return to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.”
And Christ is the one who opened the way back to God. Christ says
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)”
Just as you receive peace and comfort as you return to your homeland, how blessing it would be if there were the homeland of your soul. As your soul return to your homeland through Christ, it becomes yours forever. Wouldn’t you like to experience that?
I am praying for you.
Senior Pastor: Masao Nakanishi
