Have you ever lived as a foreigner in a country outside of your own?
Have you ever had any “surprises” or unexpected events during a trip or vacation outside your country?
Have you ever watched the TV show Locked Up Abroad, where it tells how complicated it is to fall into the hands of local authorities in a country that is not your own?
On many levels and for all reasons, we, as children of God, should see ourselves as foreigners on this earth because we are just passing through.
The Bible tells us about certain figures who exemplified unwavering faith in God, stating that “all these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13).
The tasks of this world, with its ups and downs, bad news, and sudden changes, can destabilize our inner peace, even to the point of wondering, “Where are we headed?” We need a strong anchor to hold onto in life!
Our tendency is to focus only on our temporary reality, but since it is not perfect, we become discouraged. On the other hand, we should always enjoy our heavenly hope and spiritual condition, which has the power to bring us unsurpassed joy.
The eternal life within us has no ups and downs!
Let’s listen carefully to what Jesus teaches us:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matthew 6:31).
“See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (Matthew 24:6; John 14:1).
Are we truly listening to the Master?
Trust…
Do not fear
Do not worry
Do not be troubled
What words of encouragement!
Let’s analyze the implications and glories of our current state of spiritual foreignness in light of this clear verse, within its context in chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews, the well-known passage of the Heroes of Faith.
A LIFE OF FAITH
The life of a pilgrim is a life of faith. They move from one place to another without knowing all the details, yet they continue their journey.
The context of our text gives us the example of Abraham, who “by faith, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith, he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10; cf. Gen. 22:1–14; 48:8–16; 50:22–25).
The men of faith in ancient times moved forward, believing the promises, and because they believed, they “saw them from a distance.”
Faith sees things through the eyes of the Spirit! True faith in God happens when you have not yet received what God has promised, and you still believe.
Ask yourself:
Do you still believe in God, even when things haven't turned out as you expected?
Do you believe even when He didn’t answer what you wanted to hear or didn’t grant what you wanted to receive?
That is faith!
Our ancestors “saw it from afar with the eyes of faith and welcomed it, acknowledging that they were just passing through on that land.” Let us be like them, who, because of their faith, “saw” God’s promises in their spirit.
NOT JUST "STRANGERS," BUT ALSO "PILGRIMS"
There is a difference between being a “stranger” and being a “pilgrim.” We are both. A stranger is someone who is in a land that is not their own. As a result:
They do not have the same rights.
They do not fully understand the culture, language, customs, and laws of the place they are in.
They lack the necessary connections to easily settle, work, or do business.
They face many restrictions.
It is much harder for them to be accepted compared to the locals.
Foreigners are often viewed negatively, for example, with distrust and suspicion, as if they are strange people.
A pilgrim, on the other hand, is someone who leaves their place to worship or go to a temple during an important festival or religious celebration. Pilgrims:
They endure many hardships to arrive and return, but they must fulfill the festivals related to their beliefs, no matter what.
They must make a significant financial commitment for their faith, often bringing their family, whom they wish to instill with their convictions.
Some biblical examples are:
Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, was a “pilgrim” whose story is told in 1 Samuel 1. Being barren, she traveled to Jerusalem to pray to the Lord in the temple. Her plea was answered with the birth of a son, the prophet Samuel!
Jesus himself was a “pilgrim” when he traveled with his family to Jerusalem at the age of 12 to celebrate Passover. He displayed great wisdom, astonishing the most learned religious leaders in the Temple!
So are we, believers in Christ!
As "strangers," we strengthen ourselves to function in the midst of a "culture" that is not exactly ours, but without losing our essence. As "pilgrims," we journey towards the New Jerusalem, striving to arrive with all our loved ones at the Heavenly Temple to worship.
The psalmist said while journeying: “Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, O God?” (Psalm 60:9-10).
Saint Paul said: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2).
Hebrews concludes: “For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:14-16).
WE ARE WHAT WE CONFESS: LET'S CONFESS WHO WE ARE!
The text says that they confessed who they were, "strangers and pilgrims." That's how they identified themselves. Recognizing our current foreignness is something we must acknowledge because that is the truth that defines us. An alternate version says they "welcomed gladly what they were."
And you, do you accept who you are?
There is great inner stress when you do not accept who you are, when you refuse to appreciate your identity. In that attitude, there is no enjoyment, no peace, only frustration and dissatisfaction. However, there is immense inner rest in accepting our condition, and great power in adapting to it to achieve the best during our temporary pilgrimage in this world.
They agreed that they were strangers and nomads here. And they welcomed it gladly!
THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROMISES
In a solemn fact, our text clarifies that "in faith all these people died without receiving the promises."
Doesn't this seem strange at first glance? Could this not momentarily discourage the believer?
No, because in letting us know this fact, God is not denying us access to His promises or the certainty of their fulfillment. In fact, the lives of these heroes are exemplary for seizing the promises through faith. Rather, two very important things are clarified here:
They laid a foundation for us, striving to establish our platform. The ancients paid the price for us to conquer what we now enjoy, and they did so with joy! "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40).
They became models of total commitment, willing to exchange earthly things for heavenly ones without hesitation. When comparing the tangible with the intangible, they knew how to make the best decision with total resolution and courage! "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come" (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Brother: Do not just think about the promises that have not yet arrived, but about those that you already have!
Many martyrs in Christian history had their "life plans" cut short and did not enjoy as much abundance or comfort as we do. However, rightfully, their reward in heaven will be much greater than ours. "They were commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39).
How can one decide for this illogical "exchange"? Only with strong faith, with a mindset of being strangers and "people passing through," as Jesus did, who "for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame" (Hebrews 12:2).
The life of a stranger is one of sacrifices. But in this light, what leaves us most perplexed is not that they did not attain the promises, but that they still maintained their confession of faith.
Can one "live" by faith and die without receiving? This is what is stated here, that "they all lived by faith and died without receiving the things promised." We must believe that God knows what is best.
Reflect: We do not need to receive first in order to believe; rather, we must believe first in order to receive.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
“SALUTING” WHAT BELONGS TO US
The heroes who made history in faith kept themselves "as if they were seeing the Invisible" (Hebrews 11:27). It says that they "saluted" all that was promised. But what does this mean? It means embracing it, with all the connotation of "enjoying it beforehand," and living in the full joy of it. Although it did not become a tangible outward joy for them, it also did not prevent it from being an inner pleasure; rather, they used it as a force that brought victory in their present condition.
The strong in faith mentioned did not reach out and touch the promises, but they could make them a part of themselves, "welcoming them from a distance." To salute, according to the original idea of the verse, is to "kiss in welcome, anticipating arrival."
With spiritual eyes, they truly saw the promises and rejoiced, even though they knew that in this world they were just passing through, like foreigners. They acknowledged those benefits from afar, like the father of the prodigal son who prepared for the physical embrace he would give when he arrived, even though in reality he was already offering it inwardly.
People of faith anticipate!
Now, do we have that faith to wait with such certainty in God's promises, that we are already part of them and they are part of us?
Do we enjoy the promise of heaven and worshipping the Father enough, knowing that it is ours even though we do not yet see it?
Do we rejoice in the future conversion of all our loved ones, with great conviction and pleasure, even though we have not yet experienced it?
Do we rest peacefully in the Lord's care for us in the years to come, even though we do not fully know what is to come?
That is the mark of a life of faith! It is the example set by those who showed us how to live with a pilgrim mindset. Knowing they have certain "rights of passage," they take advantage of them, but continue to walk decisively towards a better homeland.
"PASSING THROUGH" ON PLANET EARTH
When it says here that we are "sojourners" (as one of the best Bible versions translates it), it is telling us that we are people who are "just passing through," who are here "in passing."
"I have given them your word," Jesus prayed, "and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one" (John 17:14).
This is why we live a different life, somewhat strange to others: "With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you" (1 Peter 4:4).
We are proudly different, and like every foreigner, "we uphold our customs."
We do not settle, we do not accommodate, we do not adapt, because we are heading to a better city.
That's why we live a different life, and guard ourselves from evil.
That's why we willingly work for the kingdom of God.
That's why we give offerings, tithe, and give of ourselves to God's work.
However, in reality, sometimes we cling too much to earthly things and do not devote ourselves enough to preparing for our heavenly homeland.
Let's always remember that we are passing through this earth! As believers in Christ, we live in such a way that earthly achievements do not dazzle us as they do others, because we think more about our true country, our permanent nation, where we have citizenship and legal residence.
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:18-21).
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
"FOREIGNERS WITH PURPOSE
Accepting that you are a foreigner means accepting a certain degree of hardships, but embracing it joyfully is to enjoy your condition and use it to your advantage, because being a passerby occasionally comes with certain benefits. For example, you may offer bread to a foreigner, but not necessarily to a neighbor. Many countries have laws that protect foreigners, the 'right of foreignness'.
The fact of our foreignness as believers has very important implications:
That we are special people on earth.
That we are ambassadors of our people on earth. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)
A phenomenon that occurs in every migration is that once a foreigner faces all the challenges of their condition, they mentally transcend and become a distinguished local reference, surpassing even the nationals.
Who knows if you and I, as 'foreigners in this culture', will mark history by using our 'wisdom and spiritual intelligence' (Colossians 1:9).
Just as it happened to Joseph in Egypt, who provided counsel to Pharaoh to alleviate the famine in the region.
To Esther in the Persian Empire, who interceded against oppression.
And to Daniel in Babylon, who provided counsel and testified to the truth to the government and royalty.
Etc.
Blessed are those who receive us, for they shall be blessed! And others, logically, will miss out on this blessing!
Sometimes people do not appreciate the blessing of having us among them! But the Bible establishes it.
"I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (Genesis 12:3).
"So the Lord said, 'If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.'" (Genesis 18:26)
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." (Matthew 5:13)
"And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city." (Matthew 6:11)
"And the King will answer them and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" (Matthew 25:49)
"Of whom the world was not worthy." (Hebrews 10:38)
A LIFETIME OF FAITH!
Hebrews 11:13 tells us that "all these people died." Now it's our turn. They have passed on, and it's up to us to keep the faith. Indeed, the essence of the verse is that "all these great men held onto their faith throughout their lives until they died." That's the true summary of their lives! They lived by faith and died in faith. That was their epitaph, and that should also be our attitude! "They died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it from a distance, in the future, accepting to be immigrants and refugees on the earth."
And how is your faith?
Is it designed to last a lifetime?
Are you determined "for life" with the Lord Jesus Christ... "come what may, let it stay what it may, and let it be lost what may be lost"?
"Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10), the Lord has promised us.
LONGING FOR THE "COMING" HOMELAND
In summary: It's easy to focus only on our temporary reality, but since it's not perfect, we get discouraged. That's why we must always enjoy our heavenly hope and rejoice in our spiritual position, which has the power to impart the most unbeatable joy.
In Christ, we are spiritual "immigrants and refugees."
"Immigrants," because we are moving from one place to another out of necessity. We are heading towards heaven, because from there flow our vital resources to survive.
But we are also "refugees," because we move for reasons of security, officially welcomed by a better country, where we are offered legal status and protection out of simple goodwill.
Our heavenly citizenship has many benefits. It has no ups and downs like earthly life, and it makes us people in special conditions!
Therefore, let us base everything on that life first, and "since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Heb. 12:28).
Let us shine like beacons of light in a world of darkness, guiding others to the truth, representing the faith of the Christian in its highest expression.
By
ARIEL ROMERO LÓPEZ
General Pastor - Ministry Vino y Aceite Internacional
(c) 2024
Note:
Many of the phrases used "in quotation marks" are exact quotes from the same verse in Hebrews 11:13 taken from different Bible versions.
Bible versions consulted:
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Jubilee Bible (JBS)
Good News Translation (GNT)
New American Standard Bible 1995 Update (NASB95)
Living Bible (LB)
New Living Translation (NLT)
New International Version (NIV)
New King James Version (NKJV)
King James Version (KJV)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Message (MSG)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Common English Bible (CEB)
New Century Version (NCV)
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
New English Translation (NET)
New International Reader's Version (NIrV)
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
New World Translation (NWT)
Good News Bible (GNB)
Living Bible (TLB)
New International Version UK (NIVUK)
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