JUST A FOREIGNER

We are living in a world filled with mayhem and destructions, wars and rumors of wars, persecutions and oppressions, recessions and depressions, abominations and desolations; and there is no sign of these ever ceasing or decreasing. The truth is they are multiplying at such a phenomenal rate that we would be overwhelmed if we should ever pay attention to them. Many are already devastated by all that is happening, while others are at the point of breaking and giving up. We are so intimately connected to this world; physically, mentally, materially, socially, economically and psychologically, both in time and space that we quite often think that this is the sum total of our existence or it is so for many. For the Christians there is a separation that the rest of the world can’t see; but never the less hate. It’s the Joy we have and the Peace that passes all understanding. There is a SPIRITUAL distinction that sets The Redeemed apart as Aliens in this Abyss of misery. Commissioned to do the work of the LORD and waiting for the day when they will be taken home. Just imagine yourself residing in Foreign country on assignment. You could be preaching, teaching, handing out tracts, feeding the hungry, tending to the sick or otherwise helping the poor. You are there, but you know that you really do not belong to that country and that your assignment will one day end. So as you labor daily, your hope increases, waiting for the day when you will be called home. You become more steadfast in fulfilling your purpose, knowing that the day is coming when you will have rest from your labor.

You the Christian been an Alien; have no claim to Citizenship in that country. You may work at their jobs, eat the food of the land, wear the nation’s clothes, drink the water of the land, live in the houses, sleep in the beds, drive the cars and obey the laws but you never fight with them or fight for them. You are not a Citizen, but a mere FOREIGNER passing through. Some will hate you some will love you while others just pass you by. You are in the Valley Of The Shadow Of Death and are often times target of their wrath. Still you can be at Peace in the Valley. You must give up all Earthly rights of citizenship for the Better Things To Come.

Mankind; as we are, makes this is a difficult position for the Christian to take. But it is the only position that we must take. God wants each of us to have a One on One, Father and Son, Friend to Friend, Master and Servant, LORD and Subject, Bride and Groom, Defender and Defendant relationship with Him. He wants us to see Him as our only Protector, Defender and Provider. He commands us to put all our trust in Him. He is a Jealous God. The Scriptures tell us that we are the Temple of God and that His Spirit dwells in us. We must present our bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable unto Him. This is our reasonable service. Sometimes I look at what others have gone through and endured; and I shudder to think of how God may eventually use you and me to bring Glory to Himself. However, I am constantly been reminded that we are chosen Vessels and that He is at liberty to use us as He pleases. Strive therefore to be a clean Vessel always, a faithful Servant, a willing Son, a virtuous Bride, humble, harmless as a Dove and be as little children. When pride makes you want to stand up and fight, defend your rights and get your share of earth’s bounty; you will be constrained by the power of His Spirit. You can’t have your way. It’s hard, but grace, mercy and Truth will see you through. For in all these things you are more than Conquerors through Him that loved us. Now: let the Word of God dwell in you richly and you will find strength; strength and more strength, to endure. All things will work together for good to you. Faithful is He who called you.

W. Bennett