Strangers and Sojourners
one
Tomorrow, Dr. Mike Scherschligt and Cari Hillyer, two of the founders for this Movement, will be leading a pilgrimage in the Holy Land. This is the first pilgrimage that School of Faith has led since Covid. We are excited to be offering these again, as a pilgrimage is a miniature of our own life’s journey towards perfect union with the Father. In 1 Chronicles 29 we read “For we are strangers before you, and sojourners as were all our fathers. Our days on earth are as shadows, and there is no abiding” (vv 15-16). This is true of all of our Lord’s followers, we are strangers and sojourners on this earth, as it is not our true homeland. St. Paul says, “Our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, the power which enable him to subject all things to himself” (Phil 3: 20-21). As pilgrims on earth, let us not seek too much comfort or security in this land, but await the reunion with our Lord ready, docile, detached and prepared for transforming glory!
two
If we are strangers on earth, that means that things should be somewhat foreign and unfamiliar. If we are sojourners that means we travel light, waiting for the journey to continue, yearning for our final destination. Do we live this way as Christians? Do we long for heaven and union with God? Do make practical choices with our final end in mind? Today, let us stop periodically and ask ourselves, ‘upon what is my mind occupied? God and the things of God, or things of this world only?’ Then, let us remind ourselves, “Remember, I am but a stranger and sojourner in a foreign land awaiting the embrace of my Father in my heavenly home!”
three
Jesus warns us, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (John 15:18-21). Further, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12). The persecution of the world reveals that we don’t belong to it. The larger the impact we have by professing the greatest good, the larger the criticism and disdain we will get from the world. Would I rather make an impact and be ridiculed, or be compliant and get along?
four
Being a sojourner on this earth is confirmed by some unavoidable facts: the shortness of our time here, the changing nature of our state in life, and the existence of anxiety. In fact, our anxieties reveal something—our expectations are made for another place. If we are truly pilgrims just passing through, why do we have an expectation that things on earth should be better, more lasting, more efficacious than they are? Instead, let us learn to live as the saints, who had constant expectation of death and judgment, who lived each day as if it were the last. Because of their commitments for heaven, they found the great joy on earth, recognizing in these goods foretastes of their imperishable inheritance. By enjoying these things, they participated in what is to come!
five
How foolish it is for people to substitute fleeting and limited pleasures for the everlasting bliss of heaven. Imagine you received a free trip to the best beach in the best island with the best weather and the best servants with the most delicious foods and most comfortable beds on earth. Once there, you’re told, ‘look, the beaches are empty and there are plenty of rooms! Go and invite all of your family and friends! In fact, the Master of the resort wants to meet them and lavish upon them even more joys. Go and get them!’ How many of us would decline such an offer? Rather, wouldn’t we do everything in our power to not only enjoy that permanent vacation ourselves, but bring all of our loved ones with us, and even other strangers just to watch the joy on their faces? This awaits us! It’s called heaven. Today, let us do all we can to live for heaven, and to invite others to join us!