August 28                                      2 Cor 1 - 32

STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS

MEMORISE: 'And they that use this world, as not abusing it: For the fashion of this world passed away.' (1Cor 7:31)
READ: Hebrews 11: 8-16

'Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul' (1 Pet 2:11). The Bible likens Christians who are washed by the blood and have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ to strangers and Pilgrims. The word 'stranger' comes from the Greek word Zenos, which is translated as 'strange' or 'host'. It refers to people outside their own country; in other words foreigners. The word 'pilgrim' stems from the Greek word parepidemos, which means 'sojourner', 'not permanent dwellers,' 'not naturalized' (1 Peter 1:1).

We do not belong down here. We may be born as citizens of such and such a country, but in reality we are permanent citizens of a heavenly realm that out- shines any country on earth. We should not forget our true origins, because very soon we will return there. Some Christians live as if everything begins and ends with this world. They cast God aside and focus on mundane things with no eternal value. They join the unbelievers in competing for earthly treasures, position and power, using worldly methods. But 1 Corinthians 7:31 warns: 'and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passed away.'

In today's passage, Abraham demonstrates his status as a stranger and Pilgrim on earth. He had the opportunity to return to worldly systems, but he shunned them. He became dissatisfied with earthly dwellings. He had wealth, money and great possessions, but he was not bound by it. His heart was not in his wealth. He was ready to forego all and inherit heaven, the center and peak of all his aspirations. Are you a stranger to the earth? Or are you so involved with worldly activities and achievements that you would even let the sound of the trumpet go unnoticed? Change your focus. Turn heavenwards. Shun sin and dedicate your life to the Most High every day. Watch out for the moment of wondrous rapture to the home prepared for us by God.

ACTION POINT
Identify the earthly things, which are close to your heart. Acknowledge that they stand in the way of your spiritual growth and nail them to the cross.