WE ARE STRANGERS IN THIS WORLD

The apostle Peter addressed his first epistle to “God’s elect, strangers in the world…” (1 Peter 1:1 NIV). Why didn’t he just say to Christians, or to the Church, since that’s whom he was really writing to? Why did he call them (us) strangers? Strangers because that is what we are; we are foreigners on earth; we don’t belong here. We are looking forward to going home to a city whose architect and builder is God Almighty!

This place we call the world sucks!  It is full of sin, and evil, and destruction. There is no reason we can, or should feel at home here. We are not, cannot, and should not be content living here. Our discontentment should keep us longing for our real home; it should keep us focused on the One who is waiting to welcome us home with open arms. If we get comfortable here, and lose our longing for home, we could forget about our home, and buy into the things and ideas of this world, making excuses why this and the other are okay. God forbid! So let us never lose sight of our heavenly home.

Let us constantly remember what that city looks like. Although we have not seen it yet, we know Him who descended and ascended from there, and we believe everything He has told us about that place. It has mansions, streets of gold and pearly gates; it has no need for the sun, because it is lighted by God’s glory (see Revelation 21:23). We are also told, “The dwelling of God is [will be] with men, and He will live with them. They [the saints] will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4 NIV). Hallelujah! Are you ready for this, are you excited?

But while we are still here, we have a mission to focus on; we have a mission to accomplish. I hope you are not wondering what that mission could be, because I’m sure you already know it. I’ll refresh your memory, just in case you have forgotten: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15 NIV). We need to take this charge seriously, because there are many, including loved ones who have not yet found the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Some have a false hope, based on their good works and the like. We need to correct them. When was the last time you shared your faith with another person? Please don’t keep putting it off; tomorrow could be too late for many people. Let’s get busy, strangers; let’s bring as many as possible with us to our new home-heaven!