THE LIFE AND TESTIMONY OF
STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS
Part 2

“And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth”
(Hebrews 11:13).

3. PRILGRIMS CONFESS THEY ARE STRANGERS ON THIS EARTH

The great faith chapter reminds us: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were PERSUADED of them, and EMBRACED them, and CONFESSED that they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth” (Hebrew 11:13).

The saints of old CONFESSED they were strangers and pilgrims. They acknowledged they were citizens of Heaven. The faith men and women of old lived in the light of eternity. What is your confession? Do you talk more about the material possessions of this world or the eternal kingdom? Are you preparing your children for the eternal world?

We learn to do this is by continually CONFESSING we are strangers and foreigners. Perhaps we should confess this truth each morning as we rise. “Thank you for being with me today, Father, as I live as a temporary resident on this earth. Help me to realize that I belong to another kingdom apart from this world. And in the name of Jesus, I confess that I am a stranger and pilgrim. Amen.”

The word “confession” is the Greek word homologeo and means “to speak and confess the same words God says to us and about us, to agree with God, and to assent to and publically acknowledge God’s truth.” We must daily confess the truths that belong to God’s kingdom instead of the humanistic jargon of this humanistic society.

And do you notice that the saints of old not only CONFESSED the principles and promises, but were PERSUADED of them and EMBRACED them to their hearts?

Jacob confessed his life was a pilgrimage when he spoke to the Pharaoh of Egypt. He said: “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are 120 years” (Genesis 47:9):

4. PRILGRIMS KNOW THEIR LIFE IS ONLY A SHADOW

David confessed before God in 1 Chronicles 29:15: “For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a SHADOW, and there is none abiding.” David says again in Psalm 144:4: “Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.”

Why do we get so bogged down in this life when the eternal realm is the truly real world? God’s word gives many pictures to remind us of our temporary life on this earth. Let’s look at them, shall we? He says our lives here are like:

A CLOUD (Job 7:9).

A FLOWER that comes forth and is cut down (Job 14:2; Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24, 25).

A SIGH (Psalm 90:9).

A SHADOW (1 Chronicles 29:15; Job 8:9; 14:2; Psalm 102:11; and 144:4 ).

A VAPOR (mist) that appears for a little time and vanishes away (James 4:14).

A WIND that passes away and comes not again (Job 7:6, 7 and Psalm 78:39).

AN EAGLE swooping on its prey (Job 9:26).

FEW (Job 14:1 and 10:20).

FLEETING (Psalm 39:4 ESV).

GRASS (Psalm 90:6, 7; 103:15, 16; Isaiah 40:6-8; and 1 Peter 1:24, 25).

HANDBREADTH--measurement of four fingers, about four inches (Psalm 39:5).

SHORT (1 Corinthians 7:29).

SWIFTER than a runner (Job 9:25)

SWIFTER than a weaver’s shuttle (Job 7:6).

SWIFT BOAT (Job 9:26).

VANITY meaning a breath or a vapor (Psalm 39:5).

WATER spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered again (2 Samuel 14:14).

More to come.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

 

PRAYER:

“Dear Father in Heaven, my everlasting home, I thank you for all your eternal promises. With all my heart I embrace them and confess them. They are my daily confession. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I am accumulating treasure in heaven rather than on this earth.