The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Isaiah 51:11

We are all born sinners, and for some reason the ones we hurt the most are usually the ones we love the most. Jacob was no different. He deceived his father and stole from his brother. Jacob was forced to leave home for many years because of his sin. However, there came a time when God called Jacob to return to his family, to go back home and face those he had hurt.  One part of returning home, or going back, is repentance. When we allow sin to live in our hearts, it separates us from the blessings that God wants to give us. Recently, I’ve been called by God to return home, to repent, to come clean about my past. This process has involved confession to my family about sinful choices I made in my late teens. Like Jacob, I deceived and robbed my family of truth.

Going back home can be very scary. Yet when God directs us to make the journey and we obey, we have the promise that blessings will follow. Those who return to God through his Son, Jesus, are the “ransomed of the Lord.” We who obey will return and receive everlasting joy. With each step I gain a glimpse of this truth: Joy is on the horizon. God is faithful. 

Dear Lord, please prepare the way for our return home. Give us enough courage to obey, and prepare those we’ve hurt to hear the truth. We trust you to guide our steps. Amen.