The Greatest Homecoming of All
Text: Revelation 21:27 (KJV) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Introduction – Earthly Homecomings Point to a Greater One
Homecomings are a treasured time. Churches and families gather, faces are reunited, stories of the past are shared, and memories are rekindled. Yet no matter how sweet these earthly reunions are, they are but a faint reflection of a far greater Homecoming—the day when all God’s children will be gathered home to heaven.
We look back with gratitude at what God has done, but our eyes must look forward in anticipation of what God has promised. Homecoming is not just about yesterday; it is about eternity.
I. The Promise of Our Heavenly Home
John 14:2-3 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Just as we prepare for earthly reunions—cleaning, cooking, decorating—Jesus is preparing a place for us. Heaven is not a dream or a myth; it is a promised home for the redeemed.
Illustration: Think about the excitement of preparing for an earthly homecoming. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. A son or daughter who has been away at college calls and says, “I’m coming home.” Suddenly, the whole house springs into action. The mother starts cooking that child’s favorite meal. The father makes sure the yard looks neat and the car is ready for their arrival. Siblings clean the rooms, put up decorations, and maybe even hang a “Welcome Home” banner. The anticipation fills the air—every tick of the clock feels slower because everyone is counting down the moments until the family is together again.
Now imagine a soldier returning from deployment overseas. His wife and children stand at the airport holding signs. They scan every face coming down the terminal until suddenly, there he is—dressed in uniform, smiling, and running to embrace his family. Tears flow, hugs are exchanged, and for that moment, nothing else in the world matters. The war, the separation, the loneliness—all fade in the joy of being together again.
Friends, that is just a faint glimpse of the heavenly homecoming Jesus spoke about in John 14:2–3. Just as families prepare with love and expectation, our Savior is preparing for us. And just as children wait eagerly at the window for a returning parent, we should be looking toward the skies with expectation for our Lord’s return.
II. The People of the Homecoming
Revelation 7:9 (KJV) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Heaven will be the greatest reunion of all time.
Illustration: Think about a family reunion. Perhaps you’ve been to one where long-lost cousins and distant relatives gather. Someone brings out the old photo albums; grandparents tell stories of “back in the day.” As you listen, you realize you’re part of something much bigger than your own little life—you’re connected to a rich history and a loving family.
Now magnify that tenfold: heaven will be the greatest reunion ever held. Imagine sitting with Abraham and hearing about the journey of faith. Picture listening to David sing a psalm in person, or Paul explaining how God’s grace transformed a persecutor into a preacher. And best of all, think of being reunited with your own loved ones who died in Christ—seeing them healthy, whole, and radiant with the joy of the Lord.
III. The Preparation for the Homecoming
John 3:7 (KJV) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Preparation begins with salvation and continues with sanctification—walking daily with the Lord.
Illustration: Suppose a family invites you to their big homecoming dinner. You’re told, “Come as you are, but make sure to bring your invitation.” You arrive at the door, but when you reach into your pocket—you can’t find it. You left it behind. Suddenly, no matter how much you wanted to be there, or how many good memories you had with the family, you can’t get in without that invitation.
In the same way, heaven is not simply about wanting to go there. It requires preparation. Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.” The “invitation” is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We don’t stumble into heaven by accident; we must prepare by faith, repentance, and daily walking with the Lord.
IV. The Joy of the Homecoming
Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Illustration: Have you ever seen the scene at an airport gate when a soldier surprises his family? A child runs with open arms and jumps into his father’s embrace. The mother clings to her husband as though she will never let go again. Tears run down their faces—but they are tears of pure joy.
That’s the closest picture we have of heaven’s joy. Imagine a place where there are no wheelchairs, no hospitals, no funeral homes, no broken hearts. Every smile will be permanent, every tear wiped away forever by the hand of God Himself.
V. The Challenge of the Homecoming
2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Illustration: At an earthly homecoming, sometimes there are missing faces. Someone didn’t make it back—through distance, disagreement, or death. The joy of reunion is always mixed with a bit of sadness because the family circle is incomplete.
But in heaven, the family circle will only be complete if every member is ready. Imagine standing before God on that great day, only to find your name is not in the Book of Life. The heartbreak of being shut out from the greatest reunion of all time will outweigh every earthly sorrow.
Conclusion – A Glorious Gathering
This Homecoming Sunday, let us rejoice in the past, be grateful for the present, and look forward to the future. The day is coming when we will step through the gates of pearl, walk the streets of gold, and bow before the throne of our Savior.
Reflection Question: Will you be there?
Luke 10:20 (KJV) “… rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank Thee for the hope of our eternal homecoming. May each heart today be stirred, challenged, and comforted. Write our names in Thy Book of Life. Keep us walking close to Thee, so that when that great day comes, we may join the redeemed in everlasting joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
