Many Roads and the Great Homecoming

Jesus said,

"The kingdom of God is like a great city built upon a hill whose lights could be seen from every corner of the earth.

In the center of that city stood a magnificent house belonging to a loving Father. Its doors were never locked, and its windows shone through the darkness like stars.

The Father sent invitations to every person in every land.

Some received the invitation and immediately set out toward the city. They traveled with joy and confidence.

Others doubted the invitation was real.

Some were distracted by wealth and never opened the letter.

Some had been told by false teachers that the Father hated them and would never welcome them.

Others had suffered so much that they no longer believed any home could exist for them.

Still others wandered down crooked roads, becoming lost in deserts, forests, and crowded marketplaces.

As the years passed, those who arrived first gathered inside the Father's house. They ate, sang, and celebrated.

One evening a servant asked, 'Master, why do you keep the lamps burning? Nearly everyone who wished to come has already arrived.'

The Father smiled.

'Because my children are still on the road.'

Another servant said, 'But some have rejected your invitation.'

The Father replied, 'Then I shall send another.'

A third servant said, 'Some have become lost.'

'I shall send guides,' said the Father.

'Some have become stubborn.'

'I shall send patience.'

'Some have become afraid.'

'I shall send comfort.'

'Some have become ashamed.'

'I shall send mercy.'

The years became centuries.

Still the Father waited.

Messengers traveled every road carrying food, water, healing, and hope. Whenever a traveler fell, the Father's servants lifted them up. Whenever someone wandered farther away, new signs appeared pointing toward the city.

At last only one traveler remained.

He sat alone in a barren place far from the city lights.

The Father himself left the feast and walked into the darkness.

When the traveler saw him approaching, he said, 'Do not come near me. I am not worthy. I ignored your invitation. I mocked your messengers. I lost my way long ago.'

The Father sat beside him.

'I know.'

'Then why have you come?'

'Because you are my child.'

The traveler lowered his head.

'I have nothing to offer you.'

The Father answered, 'I did not come seeking something from you. I came seeking you.'

Then the Father took the traveler's hand and led him toward the city.

As they approached, every lamp burned brightly. Every table remained set. Every chair remained waiting.

The gates opened.

The travelers who had arrived long before cheered with joy.

The last traveler entered the house.

The Father closed the doors—not to keep anyone out, but because there was no one left outside.

And Jesus said,

'So it is with the love of God. The Shepherd does not rest until every sheep is found, and the Father does not cease seeking until every child is home.'