Introduction
Video Ill.: The Prodigal (Abridged) - The Skit Guys
The Dream Home Is Dead
Source: Adapted from Julie Kilcur, “The Dream Home Is Dead,” CT magazine (September, 2020), pp. 33-40
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/november/dream-home-is-dead.html
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U.S. cities were shedding people steadily even before the pandemic. According to Postal Service data, 15.9 million Americans filed a change-of-address request between February and July of 2020. Roughly one in five Americans either changed residences or know someone who did in just the first few months of the pandemic, according to Pew Research. Many of them were spurred—or enabled—by COVID-19 lockdowns, seeking more breathing room as homes morphed into places where work, school, meals, and rest all unfolded under one roof.
Though median U.S. home prices rose relatively steadily over the past decade, they soared during the pandemic, climbing 30 percent from early-2020 to early-2022. It seems we have collectively awakened to the fact that home really does matter. Except, it is harder than it has been in generations to actually find a home.
But for Christians, the broken housing market is more than just an opportunity to practice the virtue of contentment. With a dream home out of reach for so many, it may well be time for us, followers of the man who had no place to lay his head (Matt. 8:20), to reimagine what home truly is.
The best homes—the ones that feel most like a home—are almost never the biggest, prettiest, cleanest, or most well organized. They are those that seem to envelop you upon crossing the threshold with signs of real, actual life: dishes in the sink and toys all over the floor, a stack of yet-to-be read books on a side table, furniture arranged to foster conversation, tea on the stove, and a “let me dig around and see what we have in the fridge” attitude that is neither fussy nor sterile. These homes are infused with an earnest Galatians 6:10, do-good-to-all-people mindset, and it shows. Homes are a place of growth and connection with ourselves, our spouses, our friends, and our communities.
And as we watch the world quiver under the weight of war and political discord and injustice, let’s be reminded that home isn’t found in the perfect house, but in the people that enter, the reflection of eternity it offers, the shelter it provides, and the growth and connection it creates. No matter the location, no matter the size, these things remain.
I think the same thing can be said of the church as well today.
They say home is where the heart is. Scripture says our hearts are where our treasure is — which should be laid up for us in Heaven.
But until we get there, our hearts are here — in the body of Christ — in the church — as the bride of Christ.
And you know, it’s truly good to be home. You know, when you’re traveling, it’s nice to be away, to have a change of scenery on vacation, to experience things we cannot do at home. But after a while, we long to go home. I always get excited when we come down 42 to the lookout and you can see the town of New Castle. We’re almost home. And then pulling into the yard one of the first things that gets said is, “it’s good to be home!” It’s good to be back where we belong — to sleep in our own beds — to be surrounded by everything that makes it our home. It’s good to be home.
I think we can see that it was good for the prodigal son to be home too.
I think the Skit Guys did a fantastic retelling of that story in a way that really captures the emotions and thoughts of the boy and his father.
And in that story, it becomes clear that it is good to be home. Looking at that story this morning, we can see how the same is true for our spiritual home on earth — the church.
You see, home is a place of support for each other.
In our family, we make it a priority to have dinner every evening together. Breakfast may be hurried. Lunch is eaten at different times and in different locations. But supper — well, that is eaten together as often as humanly possible.
We gather around the dining room table at supper to not only eat, but to talk about our day — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Amanda and I ask Isaiah how boring his school day was — which according to him, every day is boring.
Amanda and I talk about our work days — the good of the day — and the bad.
In all of this, we support each other — we encourage each other — we help each other in any way we can.
In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father supported the decision of his son, though I suspect that he didn’t agree with what his son was getting ready to do.
Luke 15:12 reads:
12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. (Luke 15, NLT)
What a tough moment for the son’s dad. But he supported the decision and divided his wealth between the two sons.
The church is very much like that home — it’s a place where we support each other, help each other, encourage each other.
A Lesson from Ants on Sacrifice
Source: Associated Press, "Ants form living pothole plugs to make super highways," University of Bristol Press Release (5-27-07)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2007/august/4080607.html
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I read that certain ants in South and Central American rainforests will lie down in the potholes that stand between their army and food. Their bodies form a makeshift bridge, allowing other ants—sometimes numbering over 200,000—to make better time in getting to the source of nourishment.
This pattern in the life of ants was discovered through research done at England's University of Bristol. Researchers took a wooden plank and drilled different sized holes in it, simulating a narrow trail. Ants would find holes equal to their size and lay down inside, letting others walk safely over them. When the raiding party accomplished its mission and was returning to its nest, the faithful few climbed out of their holes and followed the raiders home.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we all lay down and allow people to walk all over us. That’s not a good way to live life. And that’s not what this story about ants shares — this story reminds us that the family does whatever it has to do in order to support and take care of each other.
That’s exactly what Jesus has asked us to do.
That’s exactly what Jesus did for us.
That’s exactly what we are to do for each other — making the church “home”.
Listen to Paul’s encouragement to two different churches. First to the church in Galatia:
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are || too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. (Galatians 6, NLT)
Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and said:
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4, NIV)
As in any family, we have all been given gifts — we have been equipped with the abilities and talents to help each other — to build up each other — to support each other — to carry each others burdens.
Home is where we support and help each other through life’s troubles, trials, and successes!
2. Home is also a place of love.
When the lost boy came to his senses, he determined to come home.
What did he find at home?
Love.
20 … [W]hile he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. (Luke 15, NLT)
Filled with love and compassion — he ran. Not strolled. Not walked. Not stood waiting. He ran.
In our lives, no matter how badly we screw up, no matter how bad we have been, home should always be the place to where we can run back — where there will always be open arms waiting for our return.
The church should be no different — we should be known by the love that we have for each other.
The church should be the safe home to where we can return.
God, our Father, is always waiting right here — in the church — for those who have fallen astray — for those who have turned their back on their relationship with Him — and He’s always standing there with arms wide open, welcoming us back into the family — welcoming us home!
After all, God came down to us through His Son to make sure that we would have that way back home. It’s called grace.
Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and said:
15 …[S]peaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4, NIV)
The church is here to build each other up — support each other — encourage each other — welcoming all — IN LOVE.
Couple Snuggled by Home Invading Dog
Source: Deb Kiner, “Tennessee couple wakes up to dog snuggling in bed but it wasn’t their dog,” Oregon Live (5-9-22)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/july/couple-snuggled-by-home-invading-dog.html
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When Julie and Jimmy Johnson experienced a home invasion in early May, they weren’t frightened like most couples would be. Even after the invader walked into their bedroom and got into their bed, they didn’t even notice, at least not at first.
That’s because the invader was a dog named Nala, who had wandered in from her own home two miles away. Julie says the couple is accustomed to dogs sleeping in their bed, because they live with three dogs of their own. These dogs normally bark incessantly at any incoming animal or person, according to Julie, but for some reason Nala’s presence didn’t spark a response.
Confused by the snuggling newcomer, Julie resorted to posting a photo on Facebook. She wrote, “This is the weirdest post I have ever had to make. Is this your dog?”
Eventually Julie was contacted by Nala’s owner, who came to retrieve her super chill, snuggly intruder. In a subsequent post, Julie updated her followers on the situation: “Her name is Nala and her mom is on the way to get her. Good luck getting her out of my bed.”
The church — the body of believers — God’s family — should always be ready to model God’s unconditional love to others, including those from outside our household or community. God's unconditional love transcends normal boundaries of household.
God’s love reaches even to the furthest edges of the world — as far as the east is from the west.
It is with that love that we welcome into the body those who have gone astray, those who are seeking His care, any who choose to follow God.
Home is where we find love.
I would like to paraphrase something I saw on Facebook this week: The idea that everyone is welcome in the church should be pretty obvious. Everyone will be loved. The idea that a church should change its moral standards in order to make everyone feel welcome is not. That is not the way of the Christ. His message never changed though He loved and had compassion on all He met.
Church is home. Home is filled with love.
3. Home is a place of celebration.
In the story of the prodigal son, there was a time of celebration — a party — because a lost son had come home!
22 “… [H]is father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. (Luke 15, NLT)
There was great celebrating because the lost son had come home. I can’t imagine how big of a party that must have been!
If the church is home, we ought to be celebrating too!
Have you considered how much there is to celebrate in the church?
We need to celebrate when the church becomes home because a sinner confesses Jesus as their Lord, and is immersed in the watery grave of baptism for the forgiveness of their sins!
We need to celebrate when folks make this church home by professing to the body of believers that this is where they want to work and serve — that this is their home!
We need to celebrate when the church becomes home to little children — when moms and dads bring them to church from the time they are born, raising them in the family of God.
We need to celebrate when the church becomes home to a man and woman who pledge their undying love for each other in matrimony.
Home is a place of celebration for so many reasons! From the great successes — to the minor victories — and everything in between.
And today we celebrate the legacy of Level Green Christian Church — 187 years here in this valley — touching lives in this valley and beyond!
Home certainly is a place of celebration.
4. Finally home is where family is.
Many people will describe going to a family reunion as “going home” because it’s where all of the family is, both immediate and extended family.
The same is true for the lost boy. He realized that home was where his family was — and was a place where he wanted to be.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ (Luke 15, NLT)
Now, granted he wasn’t thinking to be part of the family anymore, but just to be home close to his family.
And what he found was his family.
When the church becomes your home, you will also find that you become part of the family.
And like your family and mine — it’s not perfect. It may even be a bit dysfunctional.
We have people here who are broken.
We have people here who have made mistakes — some of them pretty big.
We have people here who have sinned.
We all make mistakes. We offend and upset each other. We cause each other headaches.
But we also show grace and mercy. We offer and accept forgiveness.
And we stick together no matter what.
Reminds me of the closing song of the movie Family Camp by the Skit Guys — the song is by Rhett Walker. Go home this afternoon and look for it on YouTube. The video is great.
But the words go like this:
https://genius.com/Rhett-walker-family-is-family-lyrics
[Verse 1]
Lean on me, and brother I will lean on you
There's nothing in the world that we can't get through
I've got a shoulder, you can laugh or you can cry
There's never a moment that it's not true
[Pre-Chorus]
It ain't quiet but we like it
It ain't perfect but it's worth it
It goes like this
[Chorus]
We show up, we love big
We pray hard, we forgive
Family is family
We might bend but we won't break
We grow up but it won't change
Family is family, oh
Family is family
[Verse 2]
We got problems but the grace will never change
There's one truth that holds it all together
Thank You, Jesus, we all share the family name
We're all sons and daughters of the Father
[Chorus]
We show up, we love big
We pray hard, we forgive
Family is family
We might bend but we won't break
We grow up but it won't change
Family is family, oh
Family is family
When the lost boy — the prodigal son — thought about home, he immediately realized it was a place where his father was.
He knew that’s where his father would be.
Folks, our Heavenly Father is right here too. He’s waiting here to be your Father — my Father.
That’s the greatest part of home — of family — this is where our Father is.
And right beside Him, unlike in the story of the prodigal son, is our Brother, Jesus — waiting for us to come home too.
Home is so good because home is where family is.
Conclusion
This morning, folks, it’s good to be with each of you this morning. It’s good to be home!
I have to ask, though, do you have a spiritual home here on this earth?
Are you wandering like the prodigal son, through the world, which is taking advantage of you, wearing you down, stealing your joy and your heavenly gifts?
Maybe it’s time to just come home.
When the Prodigal Son Relapses
Source: Chad Bird, “When the Prodigal Son Relapses,” 1517.org (5-22-22); David Zahl, “When the Prodigal Son Relapses,” Mockingbird (3-25-22)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/september/when-prodigal-son-relapses.html
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The story is told that almost five years to the day after he returned home the first time, the prodigal son emptied his bank account, packed a few changes of clothes, and snuck off for the faraway country. Again.
The first year back he was just glad to be home.
The second year was toughest; he still couldn’t get (rid of) … the shame that chewed away at his soul.
The third year, things leveled out a little. He started feeling more at home, back in synch with his former life.
The fourth year, certain things began to irk him. His old itches longed to be scratched.
And the fifth year, it happened. All the former allurements came knocking, rapping their knuckles on his heart’s front door.
And so the prodigal relapsed. Re-sinned. Re-destroyed his life.
You know him—or her. Maybe it’s your best friend. Maybe it's your child. Or maybe it’s you. That thing you swore you’d never do again, you did it last night. You left the straight and narrow. Prodigals have a way of finding themselves right back in the pigsty.
In that moment … heaven and hell contend within you. Hell shouts, “Now you’ve gone and done it. You stupid piece of garbage. You’re a lost, lonely, hopeless cause. You’re a pig. And that’s all you’ll ever be.”
But there is another voice. It’s the voice of heaven, the familiar lilt of a Dad’s voice, echoing down the long hallways of hope … down to the deepest, darkest caverns of your pain. He doesn’t accuse. He doesn’t berate. He only mouths two simple words … of heaven’s redemptive love: “Come Home.”
The second time, the third time, the thousandth time, he will sprint … to meet you down the street, throw his arms around you, kiss you, and command that the fattened calf be barbecued. The Father is standing on the porch, his hand shading the sun from his eyes, scanning the horizon for the familiar image of the one who will ever remain, his precious, beloved child. “Come home.”
Jesus is calling us to come home. Come this morning as we sing our invitation hymn this morning, and find your place at home! Find out that it is good to be home!
