Pilgrims & Sojourners
1 Peter 1:1

Peter opens his first epistle by addressing believers as "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythinia." The word "stranger" is made up of three Greek words. The first is "para" meaning "alongside"; the second word is "epi" which means "upon"; and the last word is "demos" which is "people of hidden cities". "Stranger" denotes "a sojourner in exile". A better word might be "foreigner" or "alien". Who were these Christians Peter was speaking to? They were foreigners and aliens, who not only were away from their homeland, but who had also settled alongside the unsaved.
We are strangers or sojourners on this earth. I pray that you would examine your heart as we look into this matter. In spite of all the warnings throughout the Scriptures, we can become bound and ensnared by this world. In Deuteronomy, we see the warnings and exhortations Moses gave the children of Israel. The Gospels and epistles are full of them. We are called to be pilgrims and sojourners while on this earth. The author of Hebrews, speaking of Abraham, says, "By faith he sojour-ned in the land of promise, as in a strange country... for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:9,10). Abraham knew, while on this earth, that he was a stranger. Likewise, each of us must ask ourselves, "How do I live?" and "Do I really believe I'm just passing through or do I live as if I'm here to stay?" It is so easy to get caught up with the things that are going on in the world, especially with the way things are; it is "dog eat dog", "survival of the fittest", and people are trying to store up all they can. By these, it is evident that they are not pilgrims and sojourners. It is sad to say, but many Christians do not realize that fact and they are playing games with God. Paul tells us that we are a "fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). Peter exhorts all believers to "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear" (I Peter 1:17).

Jesus gave us the parable about the sower who scattered seed over the ground (Matthew 13:20-21). Some of the seed fell upon the stony ground which spoke of a hard heart. This is the man who receives the Word of God with joy, but only for a time. When tribulation and persecution come, he calls it quits.

He does not realize he is a sojourner and a pilgrim. He is unable to stand against the ridicule and pressure of being a Christian. There are people who receive the Word of God with joy, and many who hang in there for a long time, but where are they now?
Abraham sojourned in the land of Canaan with a tent, his temporary dwelling place, because he knew he was only passing through. When you go camping, you do not take brick and mortar; you take a tent. The tent is evidence that you will only be staying a while, then moving on. Our bodies can be compared to a tent. Paul tells us that we have a building of God not made with hands (2 Corinthians 5:1). Our present bodies are only for a time. One day we will put off this fleshly body and put on a new one, one that is eternal - our real home!

Before Jesus went to the cross, He lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed to the Father for His disciples:"I pray not for the world, but for them whom Thou hast given Me." Then He said, "I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:9, 14). Can it be said any clearer? We are not of this world! Never! If a Christian starts feeling too comfortable here, there is definitely something wrong. When he starts grabbing for everything in the world and thinks he is going to be here for a long time, he has lost consciousness of his pilgrimage and sojourning in this world. Having a home or savings is not wrong in itself, but it is wrong to become so entangled in these things that you forget you are a pilgrim, that one day you will put aside this tent and move into your new home.

Let us look at five basic characteristics of a foreigner in this world, and compare these to see if they are true of our sojourning. First of all, a foreigner is always thinking about his homeland. Are you always thinking about heaven? Do you long for the day when you will be there with the Lord? Or are your thoughts spent on the worries of the day and the things of this world? Second, a foreigner stands out in the land he is in. A foreigner can be picked out from a mile away. They look and talk differently. Can people pick you out? Or do you blend in like a chameleon? Third, a foreigner, regardless of the length of time he spends in a new land, never feels at home. Do you feel at home here? Fourth, his longing for his homeland is satisfied by reading and being aware of what is happening back home. Do you get into the Bible? Do you like to read about what the Lord is doing for you? Do you keep in touch with what is going on up there so when you get there, you are not totally surprised? Finally, a foreigner always seeks to join himself to those that are of his native culture. Do you seek fellowship with Christians or with nonbelievers? These few examples are of a foreigner on earth. How much more then should they apply to us?

By our manner of living, we should declare that we are strangers here. Paul gives us an interesting and important verse when he says

". . . and they use this world as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away" (I Corinthians 7:31). In other words, we are to have the lightest possible touch upon the things of this world, not using them excessively to the point of damage. How much do you use this world? Only as much as needed, or to the point of abuse? Paul also says, "If ye, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

We are pilgrims. We are sojourners. Our comfort comes from God's Word, His Spirit, and fellowship in the body of Jesus Christ. I pray we do not forget.

Peter in his first Epistle is comforting those who are strangers. He exhorts them with the promises of God. The theme is a victorious life through trials and sufferings. We are only pilgrims and should not expect to feel at home on this earth. It is so important that we do not neglect this, lest we charge God foolishly. Our citizenship is not here; it is in Heaven!

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