Even the sparrow has found a home, and the
swallow a nest for herself…a place near your
altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house…who
have set their hearts on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:3-5)
Most of you know that Lois and I have been house hunting for the past few years, seriously searching for the last nine months. We have limited resources to put toward the purchase of our own home so we have considered both buying and renting. At this point, financially a mortgage seems preferable to a lease. But either way, the search goes on. Several of you have suggested to us possible houses that you have seen for sale and we appreciate your interest and watchful eyes. We have looked at more than twenty-five homes, most of which we were able to dismiss immediately. We made an offer on one although we were outbid almost immediately. We do have an outstanding realtor who is both helpful and understanding and is determined to find us a place that we can call home.
I have to admit that finding a new place to live is one of the items on the top of my agenda. I check the real estate listings every day. We have lived at 2366 Otisco Valley Road for forty years and have loved it. Ownership has never been a major concern for us, indeed there is a lot to be said for churches maintaining parsonages. From the financial basis this enables small churches to be able to hire a fulltime pastor, and it enables the pastor to be unburdened with the concerns of home ownership. What a gift you have given to us these many years.
But now we are facing the search with all of its attendant concerns. It seems strange perhaps, but at 70 I feel a bit unsure and uneasy about this kind of major purchase. For that reason I am returning today to a familiar and well-loved psalm, Psalm 84. It reminds me of what home is and where it has always been. Home is where God lives.
This Psalm reminds me that “my soul yearns…for the courts of the LORD” (84:2). That even those who “set their hearts on pilgrimage…make it a place of springs” (84:6). “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…for the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold” (84:10-11). “Blessed is the man who trusts in you” (84:12).
The search for a temporary residence continues but our permanent home is already determined. It has been bought and paid for by Jesus, as such it will be another parsonage and I will not have to concern myself over the purchase price or the upkeep. I like that and it puts this present house hunting in perspective. I’m even humming this tune as I type…
A tent or a cottage, why should I care?
They’re building a palace for me over there.*
This message about finding a home is as much for you as it is for me. Psalm 84 is supposed to be your reality too. As we all await our future home let’s find our place in “the courts of the Lord” (84:2) and “the house of my God”(84:10). See you in Worship.
Rick
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*Harriet E. Buell, A Child of the King, (verse 4).