A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Belonging

Human beings have a deep sense of belonging or wanting to belong.  We were created to enjoy relationships with others and live in communities.  Often we sit in an audience to enjoy entertainment with others. We work in groups because there is strength in numbers.  Unfortunately there is also a side to our nature that tends to exclude people who look, sound or act different than the rest of us in our comfortable circles.

One beautiful day there won’t be any segregation or separation because Jesus will be the Lord of all.  The Bible says that “the lion and the lamb”- pedator and prey-  will lie down next two each other in perfect peace. There were lots of rules about separation in Jesus’ day to the point that people would not help someone who wasn’t like themselves.  Jesus told parables about the Kingdom of God to help them understand that in heaven it will be different  All are welcome in the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14: 15-18, 21-23 (ESV)

When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many.And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

But they all alike began to make excuses. So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’
And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  “

 

The Beauty of Belonging

Inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.  God said we are created in His image. We are loved and valued so much that He sent His only son to die for our sin.

We  went to a retreat for families affected by disability with the Joni and Friends organization. What a beautiful time of fellowship, fun and sharing God’s word. Individuals with and without disabilities praising God together is a picture of pure worship.   I pray that you will make room in your church and life for people who are different than you.  God’s word tells us that there is lots of room in His Kingdom and everyone who follows Him belongs!

 

 

 

 

BIG HOUSE by Audio Adrenaline

It’s a big, big house
With lots and lots o’ room
A big, big table
With lots and lots o’ food
A big, big yard
Where we can play football
A big, big house
It’s my Father’s house

https://genius.com/Audio-adrenaline-big-house-lyrics

 

John 14:2,3, 6 (ESV)
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.