March 22, 2021

March 22, 2021

Sharing from the Congregation – David Petty

For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our day’s on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. —First Chronicles 29:15

They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland... but as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. —Hebrews 11:13-14,16

The peculiar history of the Israeli people is that they seemed destined, both in Biblical times and thereafter, to be travelers.  The Hebrew Bible often reflects this, and, as indicated above, it’s mentioned in the New Testament as well.  A traditional recitation of Jewish history begins, “a wandering Aramean was my ancestor” (Deuteronomy 26:5.)  The Hebrew word ger has been translated many different ways, depending on the version; the NRSV, used here and in our pew Bibles, often uses “alien,” or “stranger.”  Other versions use “traveler,” “pilgrim,” and “immigrant;”  I especially like the word “sojourner” used by the King James.

Scripture draws at least two lessons from this sojourner status.  God’s people are reminded to be kind to travelers, since they’ve been there themselves.  More importantly, our temporary status humbles us before everlasting God.

Do we think of ourselves as sojourners like the Jewish people?  I don’t believe so.  I know that we understand, on a spiritual level, that our existence In this life is temporary.  But I doubt that the issue has the same physical immediacy.  Even though we  live in a mobile society, we don’t, as a people, travel in search of a homeland.  On the other hand we do, individual and collectively, travel in time, because of rapid change.  Even if you live a mile from where you grew up, the world you live in is a million miles away from a few decades ago — or even a few years ago.  So perhaps we can learn something from what the Bible says about sojourners.

If we do think of ourselves as travelers, something else is worth observing.  If you read many travel books, you’ll note that one of the most common “tips” given in them is to travel light.  (That’s especially important, of course, if you’re hiking.)  The idea is that you’ll get the most out of the trip if you focus your attention on your surroundings rather than on carrying and keeping up with your stuff.

Gracefully submitted,
David Petty