For those of us who have traveled a lot, we’ve had our fair share of nights in hotels. Those are our temporary homes while we work. They are a weak imitation of our real home. They are in foreign places where we are away from what is familiar. Some hotels are nicer than others, but I don’t believe I’ve met anyone who would prefer to spend their lives in a Best Western. Most of us instead would prefer a home where our family is, where we have our stuff, we can truly be comfortable and find real rest. Home is our happy place.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. John 17:14-18

In John 17 Jesus prays what is known as the “high priestly prayer,” where His deep love for the Church is poured out to the Father. In this beautiful, intimate prayer, Jesus makes it clear that we, as His disciples, are not at home in this world. He pleads with the Father to protect those who have believed, and those who will believe through the sharing of the Gospel. He knows there are dangers, pressures, temptations, and trials that we will face; our temporary home on this world is uncomfortable and sometimes scary. Sure, there are good times and it has its charm, but it’s not really home. Our true home is with Him in sinless perfection and glory, and our souls long for it.

As the world continues to struggle and wrestle with fear, anxiety, and frustration, we don’t have to. This is not our home, our home is with Christ. We are already His children, already sanctified, already holy in His sight, and being prepared to leave this seedy hotel on the edge of town to head home. But before that, there’s still work to be done – our job isn’t finished yet. So let’s keep pressing on and get the gospel to every corner of the globe, to every ear that will hear, so one day we can stand at the entrance of our heavenly home and hear our Father say, “well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Master.”