p. 821 | HOME by N. M. Coon

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 25, 1900

HOME

By N. M. Coon

MRS. N M. COON (Battle Creek, Mich.)

Is there another place on this broad earth that is the center of so much pure affection, around which cluster so many fond memories, or where so much perfect rest may be found? It is our treasure-house, and here dwell those we love best. It is a place of sympathy and encouragement. Those who are wearied with the cares, and disappointments of life come here for rest and counsel, with no fear of being deceived; for in each loved one we may confide.

Early in life the love of home is shown. Watch the little toddling child in its first intelligent play, and see how, almost invariably, it will play “house.” Just a corner that contains the little one’s belongings is divided off, perhaps, by a few chairs. And then you will hear the dear baby voice say, “This, baby’s home; that, mama’s home.” In after years the association is no less dear to those who have gone out from the family circle. Have you ever met a friend, and, on inquiry, have received this answer, from the tired one, “Oh, I am going to father’s to rest a little while, and to see what they think I had better do.”

It is not grandeur of structure nor elegance of furnishings that makes the true home. It may be the humblest of cottages, but love dwells within.

When God created man, He placed him in the midst of perfect environments, and implanted within him a love for his surroundings. The Christian home is the nearest approach to this first model of any since the fall. Yet even here perfect peace can not hold undisputed sway; for an enemy is abroad in the land, scattering death and disappointment everywhere.

But we have the promise of a home into which sorrow, death, and destruction can never enter, and where nothing can ever harass or make afraid. Compare this with our present home. Here, we have no surety; there, we “shall not build and another inhabit,” we “shall not plant and another eat.” Here, we are often in poverty; there, our share is riches and honor. Even in this sin-cursed earth there are many beautiful mansions which men have built, but they perish with time. But in the new earth will be the New Jerusalem, prepared by the Lord himself, whose mansions are everlasting. When we see the beauty of the flowers; when we behold the grandeur of the mountains, and delight in the mighty rivers, and the glories of the heavens above us, we pause to remember that the Lord, who made them, has prepared a home for us, and we are lost in amazement and adoration. For He has told us in His word: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

Here in this world we often receive promises which are not fulfilled, because they who promise are not able to perform; but He who has made this promise is able to carry out all that it contains. The Lord of glory will be with us there; for He has said, “Where I am, there ye may be also.” Let us keep this in our hearts, and have “respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Let us think of the earth as it comes from the hand of the Creator the last time, restored to its Edenic beauty, and the New Jerusalem in all its unimagined splendor as its crowning glory. Turn to Rev. 21:10, and read the brief but graphic description recorded there.

May we have the faith which takes hold of these precious promises and appropriates their life-giving truths, that when the New Jerusalem descends from God out of heaven, we may “enter in through the gates into the city,” and dwell forever in the light of the Son of God.