Nobody's Home (Friday Devotional)

 

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

- Hebrews 11:13-16

This year’s World Series, which began Tuesday night, is unlike any that has ever preceded it. Sure, some things remain constant: it’s still the American League champion versus the National League champion, it’s still a best-of-seven series, and it’s still wrapping up before the end of October. But because of the pandemic, the setting of this year’s World Series is different from normal.

In the 115 previous iterations of the Fall Classic, the games were played in the ballparks of the two competing teams. Each game, the home team could count on playing in a comfortable environment in front of cheering fans and the visiting team knew they’d be walking into unfamiliar and even hostile territory. The World Series was not just a competition between two teams, it was a moment in the spotlight for their cities, stadiums, and fans.

So it’s been strange to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays, teams from the West and East Coasts, settle in for a best-of-seven series in Arlington, Texas. In an unprecedented move prompted by COVID-related safety concerns, this year’s World Series is being played at the neutral site of the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field. While each game has designated home and away teams, the reality is that both clubs are playing on unfamiliar ground in front of more empty seats than cheering fans. This year nobody’s playing at home.

The Bible speaks of Christians being in a similar situation spiritually—while we are residents of this world, we are citizens of heaven. As the verses above put it, believers are bound for “a better country” and a city which God is preparing for us, even as we live for now as “strangers and foreigners on the earth.” Like the song says, this world is not our home.

Yet just like the Dodgers and Rays, we have work to do while we’re at this “neutral site.” God has given His people a mission to proclaim the good news of His kingdom, to tell the world about salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not yet spiritually home because we have been sent out to work in the mission field Jesus prepared for us.

Just like the World Series, our time on this earth will one day come to an end, whether through death or Christ’s return. So as we joyfully anticipate that triumphant homecoming, may we remember where we are and why God has put us here—and with renewed purpose, may we strive toward victory in Jesus.