Recently, on Doug’s return from sabbatical, he mentioned Dorothy and her ruby slippers, quoting “There is no place like home.” I had a similar experience. After being overseas for a period, when the wheels of the A380 hit the tarmac of OR Tambo International Airport, I thought, “There really is no place like home.” Let me explain.
In the Land of Oz, Dorothy was, at first glance, taken in by the fanciful land filled with wonders to behold. A yellow brick road, a lion stuffed with straw, and a tin man with no heart added to the wonder of Dorothy’s departure from the normal.
So it can be when one travels abroad. Roads don’t have potholes. Electricity is on all the time. Public transport works. There is much of which to be envious when visiting first world countries.
But, like Oz, there is an undercurrent of self-reliance that creeps in and hits you right between the eyes. My wife and I visited the south coast of France. The palatial villas on the cliffsides almost look down on you in a condescending way: How dare you enter here with all your commonness? And the price of a coffee, let alone food, ensures you don’t overstay your welcome. They seemingly need nor want for anything, and therein lies the problem. They don’t. They have it all: money, fame, and power. They certainly don’t need Christ.
It reminds me of the story of the rich young ruler:
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
(Matthew 19:16–22)
Back home—Kansas, if you like—the issues South Africa faces (like, corruption, crime, poverty, and loadshedding) can offer us a need for something better. The need for Christ. We live in a sin-cursed world and creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children (Romans 8:21).
While there is indeed no place like home, we long for our eternal home, that can only be attained through faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the hope of the resurrection.
Let us not be like the rich young ruler and leave grieved because of our possessions. Let us instead know that, in Christ, we have all that we need, now and for eternal life.