The longer one lives in their house, it would seem, the more they should feel at home. The Biblcial revelation of human history, however, tells a much different story.
Created for God and garden, we unceasingly pursue Him and home. With God, we understand ideal relationship. With garden, we undestand ideal condition. We, every one of us, are perfectly designed for being settled here, with Him. Yet, the Christian is the least settled soul on the planet.
Much like the fabulous faith folks of Hebrews 11, otherwise known as “the great cloud of witnesses,” we are deeply aware of our unique situation as strangers and exiles on the earth.
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. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:14-16
The growing unsettledness within the Christian soul is an expansive reminder of our “stranger in exile” reality.
- God and His word are flaunted, mocked, and bemoaned. We are strangers in exile.
- Righteous voices are canceled. We are strangers in exile.
- There are intentional plans for people to not be able to buy or sell or move about. We are strangers in exile.
- Many church folks are floating with the world’s tide rather than against it. We are strangers in exile.
Strangers in exile can only live by faith. The resources of citizenship are not available to the foreigners and exiles who are passing through from another Kingdom. This is not a problem, it is an expected reality because the Spirit informed us long ago, “Your citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).”
Speaking in this way makes it clear: We “are seeking a homeland” that is “a better country.” Thus, we live by faith.
- As strangers in exile, our social media accounts will be censored and canceled. No worries. They aren’t needed in our better homeland.
- When the dollar dies, and it will, no worries. Money isn’t needed in our better homeland.
- When friends and acquaintances forsake us, no worries. We have perfect relationships in our better homeland.
- When our food supply is limited or cut off, no worries. The King has a “table spread, where the saints of God are fed,” in our better homeland.
- When the rent increases beyond ability to pay, no worries. The King has “gone to prepare a place for us,” in our better homeland.
Truly, what an exciting time to be followers of Jesus. So much of Jesus’ prophetic teaching is developing here and now. So, “As we journey through this land, singing as we go, pointing souls to calvary, through the crimson flow,” let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and let us RUN!”
In fact, let’s embrace the race.