As a child I liked the “away from home” times when I could be just myself, not mom and dad’s little boy. Yet I was always glad there was “home” to which I could come back. As adults, our parents may be far away or have gone on to be with the Lord. When we need that concrete sense of care and guidance in a troubled world what can we do? Where is home?
Exiled Jews read Daniel and saw that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not confined to Palestine or to the affairs of Israel. Daniel refers to Him as Most High God. Most High, or Most High God, occurs in the Pentateuch, Psalms, Ezekiel and Daniel in the OT. I believe this expresses the unique nature of the True Creator of heaven and earth. The rulers of pagan lands had many gods, but they learned that Dagon or Marduk cannot compete with Jehovah — the Great I AM, because He IS and they, frankly, are NOT. Belshazzar is weighed and found wanting, Daniel 5:27. The evil conspiracy against Daniel fails. Darius, perhaps a throne name or regent for Cyrus, declares the God of Daniel to be “the living God,” Daniel 6:26. Daniel sees in visions future kingdoms and the coming of Messiah. Daniel, captured as a youth but now a very old man, knows God alone reigns. He is at home in the presence of God — among pagans or lions.
John hears that “children” of faith are strong, yet warns that the faith is under attack by those denying the earthly life of Jesus — these are antichrist, by those in the church whose pride would keep even the words of the holy apostle from taking root among them. He tells them, and us, to welcome and support those who proclaim the gospel of Christ and teach His covenant. Strangers in this world, yet at home where God is.
So, what do we take away? God reigns. Reigns always, everywhere, in spite of how it seems to me. Reigns and blesses me. Reigns and I must bless Him. Always. Everywhere. Home is where God is for the faithful.
Holy Father, Righteous and True: You have set blessing and strength before me today. I choose You. Thank you for choosing me. I long to go that long home where I can see You face to face. Until then I will be at home in You right here. In Jesus name, Amen.