TRAVELLERS AND STRANGERS

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 ESV

Christians are sojourners and exiles in this world. To be a sojourner on earth is to have the mindset of a traveler going to another country. Exiles are those who live in a country as foreigners. Therefore, in the spiritual sense, Christians are on a journey travelling to their heavenly home. At the same time exiles on the earth without the privileges of the citizens of the world.

SOJOURNERS 

The Patriarchs demonstrated the life of travellers on earth. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tents as their hope were on the promise of a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:9). 

Like the Patriarchs we live in the tent of our earthly bodies which are temporal and we are travelling to our home where we have a house (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). 

“Many professed Christians get so many worldly things around them, that it is impossible for them to make a journey to heaven. They burden themselves as no traveler would, and they make no progress. A traveler takes along as few things as possible; and a staff is often all that a pilgrim has”. Barnes, notes on the Bible.

However, Christians are to be involved with society and their calling in life. This should reflect the life of a traveler and an exile. There heart disposition and affection of a traveler should be of Christ as they walk to their heavenly home.

On the other hand, excessive material acquisition and possessions demonstrates the life of a worldly citizen on earth. Furthermore, the sinful indulgences of the world will not only hinder their spiritual progress in their travels but also their soul.

EXILES 

so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 ESV

Daniel and his three friends are the perfect examples of exiles. They were exiles in Babylon surrounded by pagans in a hostile world (Daniel 1:8-16). Nevertheless, they were faithful and obedient rather than embracing the culture and practices of the Babylonians. They endured sufferings because of their faith.

The faithful exiled in Babylon faith were tested and at one time faced the furnace. They trusted God as they proved the genuineness of their faith (Daniel 3:16-28). So also, Christians are strangers on earth and will face persecution but they have an unfading reward kept for them in heaven. Like Daniel and his friends, Christians will be tested by the furnace of trials.

The conduct of the exile amongst the pagans should be excellent, reflecting their Father. The passions and desires should not be of sin as they no longer part of this earthly country. Whilst in exile on earth, we should resist temptation and trust God in trials. Despite, many oppositions Christian’s exiled life on earth should be lived with fear and reverence of God ( 1 Peter 1:17). 

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23 ESV

The point of the Christian endurance and hope is Christ who is the founder and perfecter of the faith. His substitutionary sacrifice was unique in order to save, but also it’s an example for His followers to emulate especially when they suffer unjustly.

Not all Christians are sojourners and exiles like most of the Israelites they like the things of the world and are comfortable with the culture and practices of the world.

Nonetheless, one of the true marks of a Christian is meekness. This reflects their delight in God rather than temporal material possessions. They trust God and refrain from anger because they know that their future is prosperous (Psalm 37:4-11, Matthew 5:5).

The Patriarchs telescoped their future inheritance as they trusted in the promise of God. The Exiles endured sufferings in an ungodly society living a holy life as they trusted God to deliver them ( Daniel 3:16-18). Like them, with full assurance of the completed work of our Lord Jesus, and as children of God, let’s live like sojourners and exiles on earth. 

Amazingly, Christians are caught up in two worlds, whilst they are living on earth, at the same time their citizenship and inheritance are secured in heaven.

Ultimately, those in Christ are blessed, because of God’s grace, He bestowed every spiritual blessing on them (Ephesians 1:3). Lastly, travellers are also strangers on earth. They are travelling to a holy city whilst shining the light of their holy Father and citizenship.