Digging Deeper: Sojourners in a Foreign Land
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 (ESV)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia
1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)
SOJOURNERS IN A FOREIGN LAND
Peter addresses the people as “exiles,” which also translates to strangers, pilgrims, and foreigners – a temporary “sojourner” in a foreign land. In the ancient manuscript The Epistle to Diognetus, the author gives his definition of what pilgrims are: “They inhabit the lands of their birth, but as temporary residents of it; they take their share of all responsibilities as citizens, and endure all disabilities as aliens. Every foreign land is their native land, and every native land a foreign land… they pass their days upon earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.”
In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 (colloquially known as the “faith hall-of-fame”), the writer notes that the heroes of the OT were “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb 11:13). The writer is referring to Abraham and Sarah, who were sojourners in a foreign land. They had every reason to be discouraged, as they had to wait many years for the promised-son from God to arrive. They never lost hope, and kept their faith even in the depths of discouragement.
Jesus reminded his disciples that, 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19, ESV). Jesus is trying to warn his disciples of their coming persecution. He knows that they will be deeply discouraged at times, and all but one will be martyred for their faith. However, as Dods notes, “The hatred of the world, instead of being depressing, should be exhilarating, as being an evidence and guarantee that they have been chosen by Christ.”
Being a follower of Jesus is no guarantee of an easy life (quite the opposite, actually). We are “in” the world, but we are not “of” the world. Obviously, we are called to engage in this life, which at times can be a discouraging journey. We are also to keep our eyes focused on the life to come, which should serve as a source of encouragement as we face the inevitable storms. In my former life as an airline pilot, I kept my suitcase at home always partially packed, only changing out what was needed for my upcoming trip. We should treat our Christian journey on earth in a similar fashion. Always be packed and ready to travel – this is not your home!
Diggin Deeper (er):
Ex 23:9; Eph 2:19
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.