Scripture Reading: John 14:3

Introduction

A. The voyage and return features a main character who makes a journey far from home and overcomes great peril to return safely.

B. The Old Testament tells the story of a nation that wandered far from God, but always seemed to find their way back.

Discussion

I. God always brought Israel back.

A. Israel returned from Haran, just as God had promised that he would (Genesis 28:15; 32:9–10).

B. Israel returned from Egypt, and they even spoiled their enemy in the process (Genesis 15:16; Exodus 12:36).

C. Israel returned from Babylon, and God gave them a new heart (Deuteronomy 30:1–6; Ezekiel 36:26–29; Jeremiah 29:10–14; Ezra 1:1–4).

II. There is always a way back home for God’s children.

A. Nothing is quite the same when you leave home (Luke 15:11–32).

B. No matter how far away you may wander, you just need to realize what you left behind (Luke 15:17), repent (v 21), and ask for God’s forgiveness (v 19).

C. No matter how far you have gone, God’s child can always come back home (Deuteronomy 30:4; 1 Timothy 1:15–16).

Conclusion

A. Have you let yourself wander away from home and the blessings that come from being a child of God?

B. God will help you find your way back if you will just turn back to Him and start listening to His word once again.