Real Belonging

Because he loved this world, [he] has deserted me and has gone. (2 Timothy 4:10, NIV 1984).

My Musings – The lure of world can be strong. Sometimes, people leave because they never really belonged in the first place. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained.” (1 John 2:18–19, NIV 1984). Sometimes those who “really belong” will also leave, for a season. But “when [they come] to [their] senses…[they] will set out and go back to the Father.” (Luke 15:17, 18, NIV 1984).

As for the first group, those who “have received the knowledge of the truth… [will find that the world offers] no [other] sacrifice for sins…but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (Hebrews 10:26-27, NIV 1984). Such a tragedy, to have tasted and yet “who has trampled the Son of God under foot…and who has insulted the Spirit of grace.” (Hebrews 10:29, NIV 1984).

As for the first group, those who “go back to the Father,” will find that He “is faithful and just and will forgive [their] sins and purify [them] from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV 1984). Such grace, to be able to return.

My Advice – Make sure that you “really belong” so you can escape “a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire.” If you “really belong” but wander, make sure you “[come] to [your] senses [and come] back to [the] Father.”