Sabrina Brady

If my eyes ever become dry and are in need of lubrication, I can do one of two things: either reach for the Visine or watch a video of a soldier's homecoming. I prefer the latter, and there are literally dozens of such videos on YouTube. (Here's a sample: http://youtu.be/3cTd0cQsNmo)

Before I came into this world, my father went off to serve our country in World War 2. He and my mother were separated for nearly two years, with only occasional letters to keep them in touch. There were no video cameras around when he returned home, but I'm confident theirs was an emotional reunion.

With the years in which the U.S. has been engaged in military conflict in the Middle East, thousands of families have been disconnected for prolonged periods of time. Recording video is now simple, with most of us carrying such technology in our pockets at all times. Thus, we frequently see such scenes on television and the Internet. And they never grow old.

The search-engine giant Google today honors the homecomings of service men and women by featuring on their home page a drawing by Sabrina Brady. Sabrina, who is 17 years old, entered her drawing in Google's contest on the theme "My Best Day Ever ..." She recalls the day when, as a 10-year-old, her father returned home from 18 months of military duty. It's truly a heartwarming sketch.

Jesus once spoke of a homecoming. In Luke 15 we read His parable of the prodigal son, a young man (maybe a teenager?) who left home in rebellion. After weeks of riotous living, he found himself penniless and, despite working a shameful job, starving. In desperation the son returned home to beg a job from his father. He expected a tongue-lashing for his reckless behavior.

Here's how Jesus described that homecoming: "But when he was a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). There was no tongue-lashing, and the father did not give him a job working in the fields. Instead, he restored him to his former position as a beloved son. "'For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry" (Luke 15:24).

Why did Jesus tell that story? Yes, it is an excellent piece of literature, as many school students have learned throughout past generations. But more than a good read, this is good news for us all!

Such a homecoming is possible for you and me. Though we, like the prodigal son, have distanced ourselves from the Heavenly Father by our actions, this call to return has been issued: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28,29).

The ultimate homecoming lies ahead when the gates of heaven swing open for God's people. "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). Can you imagine our joy as we enter that glorious eternal abode? And don't forget the joy that Christ will feel as His followers make their way home. Nothing on YouTube can compare with that glorious day!

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall.