Living as Sojourners

As those saved and transformed by Christ, our lives are radically changed.

We are set apart for His name sake. We are forgiven of our sins.

We have access to and relationship with the One True God.

We have a joy everlasting – a reason to sing and worship and praise.

But… there is still pain. There is still brokenness.

We still live in a fallen world under the curse of sin.

There is death and decay. There is disappointment and discouragement.

Things are not as they should be, and our hearts ache.

The reality for the Christian is this: we live for the Eternal King of Kings in a world that is not our eternal home.

Throughout Scripture, we see God’s chosen people have always been sojourners. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were wanderers and exiles. And now for those in Christ, our true citizenship is not on earth, but in heaven.

How do we live as sojourners as we await the return of our King Jesus?

First Peter 2:9 offers a strong encouragement: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (ESV).

Peter reminds us that we have been chosen by God to testify about Him. Although the brokenness we face in this life is real, we live as beacons of light in a dark world. We bear His name. We are ambassadors of the King. 

As we await our eternal home, we have the responsibility now of telling the world about Jesus and what He has done for us. We live our lives now as a holy sacrifice to God. The work we do here has purpose. Whether it’s caring for little ones or moving overseas for full-time ministry – and everything in-between – faithful obedience to God is the offering we bring to Him and the way we proclaim His excellencies. 

Friend, this is our mission as sojourners. We can offer hope to the hopeless and refuge for the brokenhearted, that they too may turn to Christ and be saved.

And through it all, we cling to this truth: there will be a day when we are finally home. Sin, pain, suffering – all will be no more. And God will once again dwell with man, forever.

How does this eternal truth direct my steps today?