At Home with the Father
There’s something delightful about the way a child feels at home. When they know they are loved, they relax completely. They don’t try to earn their place — they simply belong. Do you experience this with God? Or do you fear rejection, that you are unworthy, or that you do not measure up? If so, maybe you need more of a child’s heart.
When Jesus welcomed the little children (Mark 10.13–16), He didn’t just pat them on the head — He held them in His arms. The word used in Scripture means to “embrace closely,” as a parent would hold a child on their lap. That’s how God wants us to experience Him. Not distant or demanding, but near and kind. To see Jesus is to see the Father’s heart (John 14.9). Gentle. Humble. Welcoming. The enemy will always question that — “Who do you think you are to be loved by God?” But our answer is simple: We are His children. We don’t need to prove our worth. We only need to trust in His love.
Man in the Mirror
In Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sit on three sides of a table. Facing us is an open space for you and me. We are invited to sit at the table with the three members of the godhead and fellowship with them. Look more closely at the picture. Can you see the rectangle? Apparently, it originally held a mirror. In other words, the artist was inviting those who looked at the icon to see themselves in the picture. Rublev was attempting to convince the viewer that they were welcome.
Welcome Home
One day we will be “at home with the Lord” forever (2 Corinthians 5.8). In the meantime, we can enjoy the first fruits of that experience more and more because God has made his home in us (John 14.23). If you are not feeling at home with the father, then why not talk to Him about it, and chat to a friend in church? Let’s help one another feel at home with God, for without a doubt, he wants to welcome each of us home.
Your brother, Malcolm
