Belonging to God (Q&A 1)

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.  Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6). 

“Belonging to God” is at the very core of what I believe and who I am. It is the opening affirmation of the catechism. I am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

The idea of “belonging” (along with the outline of "guilt, grace, and gratitude") will always be the first thing that comes to mind when I think my boyhood years of catechism classes, and the idea of “being at home in God” (and with God) permeates the scriptures, too. Adam and Eve, at home in Eden with God. Abraham, called by God to venture out towards a new home. All the stories of exile in the Old Testament--a people longing for home.

The most familiar parable of Jesus, the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and his older brother) (and his father), is a homecoming story. The lost son, the prodigal, is homeless and hungry and alone; longing for shelter, nurture, and fellowship. And when he comes to his senses and decides to place himself at the mercy of his father—even if that means becoming a hired hand instead of a member of the family—he discovers that his father has been waiting for him all along. Amazing grace!—the lost son finds himself welcomed home with outstretched arms. This is my foundational image of God. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). Yes! My soul finds its rest in God alone, my hope comes from God. Amen! God is my rock and my salvation. God is my fortress, I can never be shaken.

Sometimes "home" seems so far away...