“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:14—15).
Living as a foreigner is a strange experience.
Nothing belongs to them in the country where they live. If the foreigner is a
newcomer, he needs help to make sense of things happening around him.
Homesickness is high in the first few weeks, though it may wear out as time
goes on.
Christ-followers are sojourners on earth. Saint
Peter calls them "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet 2:11). The writer of
Hebrews depicts them as people waiting in a foreign country for their permanent
residence or a city that is to come. Paul reminded the church in Philippi,
though they are Roman citizens that their real citizenship is in
heaven, where Jesus is. "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we
await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…" (Phil 3:20).
Christ's followers are not idle passengers in waiting lounges, living in the tension of the now and the not yet. They cherish a
dream of reaching their destined home. While on earth, they keep themselves
busy, not with worry or fear, but with the joyous anticipation of the new
destiny that God has called them to. They are filled with hope and
excitement for what is to come.
This assurance of a permanent home that we travel to fills us with a deep sense of gratitude and joy, prompting us to
praise God. The foundation of our worship is what God has done and
what we will have through Jesus Christ. So, we sing on the way home, in
every moment of our life on earth. We must not just sing but also integrate
personal worship into our daily lives. Taking time out of our daily routine to sing praises to him is not just a suggestion but a vital part of our lifestyle, a source of strength and inspiration.
