Welcome Home!

The story is told of a missionary who sacrificed throughout his life to preach the gospel overseas. After living a long full life on the mission field, it was time to go back home and retire. As his ship was approaching the dock, in the distance he could see that the dock was filled with balloons, people, bands, and a big banner that read, “Welcome Home!” The missionary was excited because he thought all these folks had come to welcome him back to America.

However, as he got closer, he realized the balloons, bands, and banners weren’t for him; they were for an entertainer who was also on board. Upon docking, there was no one to welcome him back. The missionary went to a nearby hotel room and flung himself on the bed, weeping that no one had welcomed him home. In the midst of his despair, he questioned God and said, “God, why was no one there to welcome me home?” In that still small voice God spoke to his heart and said, “Son, that’s because you’re not home yet.”

The portion of scripture for today is taken negatively by many, but I prefer to look at it positively. If we stay faithful to God and do God’s work with all the strength and energy we have in us, then one day we will receive an amazing reward. It’s easy to get discouraged quickly while doing something good or godly. It’s easy to say, “What’s the use? No one appreciates me or what I do.” But God sees all you do, every dollar you give in the offering, every choir practice you attend, every time you sweep the church or mow the lawn, every sermon, every sacrifice, every kind word, every loving gift, every act of forgiveness; and if you stay faithful, God promises a welcome home party like you’ve never seen!

Prayer for the day: God, help me to continue to be faithful to you and to what you called me to do. I don’t do it for the reward; I do it out of love. Yet I know that one day, if I’m faithful in the little things, you will reward me with great things. Amen.