At Home In The Lord

At Home in the Lord"So we are always confident, even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight."
—2 Corinthians 5:6-7
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 32 – Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven.
Joshua 4:14-24 – The Lord exalts Joshua and reminds Israel of His mighty hand.
2 Corinthians 5:6-15 – We make it our aim to please Him, whether at home or away.

Lent calls us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and trust in God's unfailing mercy. In Psalm 32, David rejoices in the blessedness of forgiveness, but only after he acknowledges the weight of his unconfessed sin. He writes, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long" (v.3). This tension—between guilt and grace, sin and salvation—mirrors our human struggle.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds us that we are in a deeper tension. We live in the earthly body, but our true home is with the Lord. What does it mean to be "away from the body and at home with the Lord"? It does not mean despising life here on earth but recognizing that our ultimate belonging is in God's presence. While we live, we are called to walk by faith, trusting in what we cannot yet fully see.
Yet, Paul also makes a sobering statement: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Cor. 5:10). This could be terrifying if not for the next truth he proclaims: "For the love of Christ compels us" (v.14). The tension of judgment and grace is resolved in the cross of Christ.
As C.S. Lewis wrote:
"The great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference, and therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him."

In Joshua 4, God commands Israel to set up twelve stones of remembrance to testify to God's power and faithfulness. These stones remind us that God is not only a judge but also a redeemer, leading God's people through the waters of judgment into life.
During Lent, we reflect on the cross as our ultimate stone of remembrance. Jesus endured the judgment we deserved so that we could receive what we do not deserve—grace, mercy, and eternal homecoming in the Lord.
Lenten PrayerLord,
You have searched my heart and know my ways. I confess that I often live as though this world is my home, clinging to what is temporary and fearing what I deserve. Thank You for the cross, where justice and mercy meet. Help me to walk by faith, knowing that my true home is in You. May I live compelled by Your love, so that whether at home or away, I seek to please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.