1 Peter 1:17 – Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (NIV)

One of my favourite Appalachian songs, which was recorded by Johnny Cash years ago, is called Wayfaring Stranger. It's a beautiful hymn with a haunting mountain melody. I love the plain, simple lyrics which express faith in terms of our being on a journey and that we are all merely pilgrims passing through the earth, heading toward our real destination in heaven. The whole song tells me that this planet is not my home; it's just a temporary station that I will leave one day in order to go and abide in God's country.

The great apostle Peter also wrote about this 1900 years ago when he reminded Christians all over the Roman Empire that they were merely strangers or foreigners living in the world. No matter where they existed, what people they belonged to, or even what culture they came from, Christians were not meant to anchor themselves to a particular place or time. According to Peter, followers of Christ are sojourners who reside in the world temporarily and who can look forward to being at one with God in His everlasting kingdom. In other words, Christians do not put down their roots anywhere on this planet; we are wayfaring strangers traveling home to be with God.

Points to ponder: How much do I tie myself to the world? How prepared am I for the journey ahead beyond this life? Where is my true home?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, wherever You are will be both home and heaven for all who trust You. Keep reminding us that we are all merely passing through this world into the next. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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