Wayfaring Stranger

Sunday, August 19, 2018
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Listen while you read: "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart"1 (Lyrics)

1 Peter 1:17 – Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (NIV)

One of my favourite Appalachian songs, which was recorded by Johnny Cash years ago, is called Wayfaring Stranger. It's a beautiful hymn with a haunting mountain melody. I love the plain, simple lyrics which express faith in terms of our being on a journey and that we are all merely pilgrims passing through the earth, heading toward our real destination in heaven. The whole song tells me that this planet is not my home; it's just a temporary station that I will leave one day in order to go and abide in God's country.

The great apostle Peter also wrote about this 1900 years ago when he reminded Christians all over the Roman Empire that they were merely strangers or foreigners living in the world. No matter where they existed, what people they belonged to, or even what culture they came from, Christians were not meant to anchor themselves to a particular place or time. According to Peter, followers of Christ are sojourners who reside in the world temporarily and who can look forward to being at one with God in His everlasting kingdom. In other words, Christians do not put down their roots anywhere on this planet; we are wayfaring strangers traveling home to be with God.

Points to ponder: How much do I tie myself to the world? How prepared am I for the journey ahead beyond this life? Where is my true home?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, wherever You are will be both home and heaven for all who trust You. Keep reminding us that we are all merely passing through this world into the next. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Beautiful reminder, John.


    Yes, John, We’re but strangers here, Heaven is our home. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings.


    Thank you, John Stuart. I know it’s a good one whenever I see your name come up. Bless you.


    Thank you! Your words spoke to me today. One of my favorite songs too.
    (CO)


    Thank you for today’s warm and helpful devotional John. A wonderful reminder of home… Our Real Heavenly Home!
    Blessings.


    There are times when I have a lot of aches and pains and wonder why I am still around.
    Then He reminds me I am here because He still has things for me to do.
    Thanks for sharing.


    Dear Rev.Stewart,
    I also like the song you mention in your message.
    Another very meaningful song which my mom used to sing while doing her work around the house is “This world is not my home”. It still is one of my favourite gospel songs.


    Thank you for reminding us! How amazing that we need to be reminded over and over again, that we are not here permanently, but are on our way through to our permanent home. Our choices now are therefore of eternal importance! May the Lord draw our loved ones to Himself and into His Kingdom! May the practice of reading the Bible, His Word to us, be imprinted on our minds and hearts. Amen.


    Hi John,
    Very good devotional.
    Through faith I try to think about the “Life hereafter” but there are so many things right here, right now to which we are so attached, aren’t there? I try to let my faith guide me and give me comfort from day to day.
    Thank you for writing.

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