Aliens (Sojourners)...

When we think of the word alien don’t we conjure up some little guys with bug eyes and a head shaped like an upside down tear drop, and/or things that look like monsters with tentacles coming out of its head from spaceships?

The law defines an alien as “a person owing allegiance to a country other than that in which he lives; also known as a foreigner”

Eastman Bible Dictionary defines alien/sojourner as “a foreigner, or person born in another country, and therefore not entitled to the rights and privileges of the country where he resides.”

1 Peter 2: 11-12 (ESV)
11. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners/aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Sunday night during our celebration service at my home church we sang a new song that has come out on the radio recently called, “Where I Belong” by a group called Building 429. You can listen to the song in its entirety at YouTube if like by clicking HERE.

The thing that captured my heart that night as we sang the song was the chorus.

All I know is I’m not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong

May I have the privilege of encouraging you right now? If you are reading this blog you ain’t home yet, sister! So you are not where you belong! And let’s just be real…there is nothing worse than being somewhere you don’t belong. Think of the many uncomfortable moments you have experienced in this life and what it felt like to be somewhere you didn’t really belong. Yuk! It is a yucky feeling! We will NEVER FEEL YUCKY WHEN WE GET HOME!

I like the way Eugene Peterson writes out his interpretation of 1 Peter 2:11-12

11. Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 12. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

In summary, don’t get cozy in this ole world. It ain’t your home. And live for Jesus among the natives (those who don’t know Him) so they will be drawn to Him and away from this world as well!

Love you all! Continue to pray for the Dominican Republic as we work on details.

His,
Vickie