Joe South: "Don't it Make You Want to Go Home"

This is one of many social comment songs of the 1960s. It's about how cities gobble up familiar landmarks from one's childhood. Listen to the song here:

Jesus certainly realized how things change when we return to our home towns. In his case, people couldn't understand how somebody they knew since boyhood could do such miracles.

When Christ came to his own country, the locals were saying in effect, "Who does he think he is?" Matthew 13:57 (Bible in Basic English) records, "And they were bitter against him. But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is nowhere without honour but in his country and among his family.'"

We do get weary on this journey of life but we have a home we long for. As Hebrews 11:9 and 10 (BBE) reminds us of Abraham who, "By faith he was a wanderer in the land of the agreement, as in a strange land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who had a part with him in the same heritage: For he was looking for the strong town, whose builder and maker is God."

We can also say with surety that nothing in this world is certain but death, taxes, and computer problems. As Paul pointed out in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (BBE) "Give orders to those who have money and goods in this life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all things for our use; And to do good, having wealth in good works, being quick to give, taking part with one another; Making ready for themselves a safe place for the time to come, so that the true life may be theirs."

I know we can all tell our stories of returning home. In my case, some things I loved are gone. We had a fantastic toboggan hill by the creak. Then somebody built a walk-up apartment there.

The Fort Hotel burned down in 2010. It was one landmark I cherished as it was the tallest structure my town had when I was a boy.

My parents' home was sold and the wall between the living room and kitchen was removed. Some men painted the kitchen white instead of pink with turquoise cupboard doors. I doubt I'll ever set foot in that place again.

If Christ hasn't come for us by Thursday, I hope to tell you about a personal milestone and a great song by Paul McCartney.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash: "Long Time Gone"

When this song was recorded, the Vietnam war raged and student protests against the draft were commonplace. Those years certainly felt like dark days to us who lived through them.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash recorded this as their commentary on the anti-war movement. Check it out here:

Every age had its dark days. All through the Old Testament, Israel ended up conquered and enslaved whenever they abandoned God. And as we read in Hebrews chapter eleven, faithful folks endured hard times with the hope of heaven in their hearts.

Long before Christ and the apostles, Abraham sought after the Lord. Hebrews 11:9 and 10 (Bible in Basic English) said of him, "By faith he was a wanderer in the land of the agreement, as in a strange land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who had a part with him in the same heritage: For he was looking for the strong town, whose builder and maker is God."

Though it seems like Christ has been "long time gone," his return is a certainty. James 5:8 (BBE) reminds us to, "Be as calm in your waiting; let your hearts be strong: because the coming of the Lord is near."

Likewise, Paul trusted his readers and wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 and 5 (BBE), "And we have faith in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things about which we give you orders. And may your hearts be guided by the Lord into the love of God and quiet waiting for Christ."

Two angels also gave the disciples the good news that Christ would return someday. Acts 1:10 and 11 (BBE) tells the story of how it happened. "And while they were looking up to heaven with great attention, two men came to them, in white clothing, And said, "O men of Galilee, why are you looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come again, in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

May our Lord come soon. If he hasn't arrived by Saturday, I hope to post about fickle political fashion.