Strangers, Sojourners and Shadow (29 January 2021)
(Igniting Insights by Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran)
There are many people who think they are permanent residents of this world. The rich fool told himself: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ (Luke 12:19) Fools are those who are just living for the present, without future or eternal perspective. In contrast, biblical leaders were conscious about their temporary life on planet earth.
King David’s prayer during his last days is instructive. “For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.” (I Chronicles 29:15)
1) Strangers: Is world a familiar environment. When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their familiar Garden of Eden. The green, pleasant, colourful, fruitful and peaceful environment was lost forever. All humanity are strangers in the world. All works seem to be fruitless and purposeless; even frustrating.
2) Sojourners: People who work amid the people who are different – language, culture or nationality. People of God belong to the unshakeable kingdom of God. (Hebrews 12:28) Hence, in the world we are sojourners and even ambassadors. (II Corinthians 5:20) Hence we have to set our hearts above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1) Ambassadors on various nations live in different nations that could be even hostile. They are expected to hold high their national flag, values, honour and dignity. In the same way, we have hold high Kingdom of God values, priorities, and purpose in the world.
3) Shadow: Butterflies live just for fourteen days, yet they fly joyfully. Life is like a fleeting shadow. (Psalms 144:4) Shadows move consistently. Human life is also on the move consistently. There is no permanency in life. Since life is like a shadow, there is a demand for being good stewards of all our life – time, opportunities, intellect, abilities, talents, gifts, skills…etc. Short time should help us to be focused, diligent and invest in the right things and cannot to afford to waste anything.
Do I realize my life purpose in the short life on planet earth?
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