Travelers On Earth

Remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites when he judges. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as foreigners here on earth. 1 Peter 1:17

An American traveled to Poland to visit the famous rabbi Hofetz Chaim. Noticing that the rabbi’s room had only a table, a chair, and some books, the American asked, “Rabbi, where is your furniture?”

The rabbi replied, “My furniture? Where is your furniture, my friend?”

“But I am only a tourist, passing through,” said the American.

“So am I,” replied the rabbi.

Life becomes so much simpler when you realize that you, like Rabbi Hofetz Chaim, are a traveler on earth and not a permanent resident.

The lives and outlook of residents is greatly different from that of travelers. Residents spend enormous amounts of time taking care of their houses and their neighborhoods. Residents get very attached to their possessions and go to great lengths to protect them.

Travelers, on the other hand, like to keep their burdens light so they can travel as quickly and efficiently as possible. Travelers admire the scenery but do not own any of it. Travelers are fascinated with the ways people in different cultures live, but they are not “permanently” attached to any single culture. Travelers enjoy great freedom, for they know that the place they are visiting belongs to another and is his or her responsibility. As soon as you meet Jesus, you become a traveler here on earth. You still live in, work in, and minister in the world around you. But you know that everything about this world is temporary and that your real home is in the presence of God.

Lord, make me a traveler in this world. Teach me to love and give in this world, knowing that it is not my permanent home.