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"But Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.'” Matthew 8:20 NLT

This verse has always fascinated me for some reason. I think that some of it is that the mental picture of what Jesus' words conjure up. To a lot of us--having a structure to call home, a place to make our very own, a place that we feel safe to 'lay our heads'--is very important. To some, it is their security. Foxes have it, birds have it, but Jesus didn't.

And until I read this verse, I forget to even wonder about Jesus' home. If you read the verse before, verse 19, the reason that Jesus even made this statement is because a teacher of the law, who apparently had hung out with the crowd that Jesus was with that day, came to Him and stated, in the passion of the moment, that he would follow Him wherever He went.

But, while I think Jesus was flattered at the teacher's words, He knew that we humans need our personal place--a home--a safe place to lay our head. And you hear no more of this teacher. Can you imagine him, in his passion of being with the Son of Man all day, witnessing the wonderful healing that Jesus did that day, wanting to follow but because he needed his 'home', turning away and head down, slowly walking into the sunset?

Why didn't God give His Son a place to lay His head--a home? You probably already know the answer. Having a home is not a sin, it is not a bad thing. In fact it is wonderful--it's one of God's blessings to us. On the other hand, having a home is also a responsibility. If you have a home, a place to lay your head, you need to keep it up. Having a home takes up your time. Your focus.

Jesus' time on this earth was to keep His eyes pointed towards home and to do His Father's will. And God's will was for Him to be totally focused on saving us from ourselves. If He had a home, He would be torn between the upkeep and maintence and going to Galilee--of needing the wash the windows or raising Barnabas from the dead. He didn't need it, but He understood our need. Besides His home really wasn't here on earth anyways was it? He came down to earth as a honored guest for around 30 years. His 'safe place to lay His head' was Heaven.

I don't know about you, but I like to think that today, He does have a safe place to lay His head here on earth--our hearts. If you have invited Him to live in your heart, in your spirit--then He does have a safe place, doesn't He?

If you haven't done that yet--won't you during this Christmas season? What a wonderful present to Him and yourself! Everlasting life--to be with Jesus forever and ever. The thought of it may be scary--you may have a thousand excuses why not--but Jesus doesn't care about excuses. He wants you, wherever you are at. With all of your muck and goo and ickiness--He wants you. But you have to ask Him. He will not come uninvited. It's simple really. There's no magic words. Just from the depths of your heart and spirit, talk to Him. Simply confess you are a sinner and that you need and want Him in your life. God will do the rest.

An important step--tell someone that you trust. Share the wonderful news with someone you trust and that will hold you accountable. Someone that has a strong faith so that when you go through trails, they can council you, support you and keep you on the right path.

Foxes have dens, birds have nests, we have the Promise of Jesus--Heaven!