“Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.”
In the Jewish culture home was everything. Living or even traveling to a foreign country or town involved the idea of being exiled. In other words no one would do it willingly. We have lost that sense to some extent today. Moving around and even across country is common. Most of us know someone who has set up home in a foreign country. However, when this was written the idea was as unusual as a bird abandoning the comfort and safety of its nest for no reason and without provocation. There is a great perspective in this verse that shows how important family and stability are. A lot of the social ills we see in our culture these days are the result of broken, unstable home lives. At the risk of being a bit politically incorrect, honest sociologists tell us that a home with both parents living out the truth of God and His word brings health, safety, happiness and stability to most individuals and peace to their soul. Always? Of course not. We are still free will agents with a bent toward sin. However, the overall odds are for a much better outcome in these homes. A home can be broken at no fault of the innocent and God is enough to fill that gap. But again, a stable home is powerful. God provides His followers with a promise of an eternal home and that picture spurs us on. Today work to build God’s eternal truths more deeply into your life and home. #BeTheEdge
“…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15b NIV
