Temporary Residents

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion . . .

1 Peter 1:1

Few Greek words have been so variously translated as the word the New King James Version renders pilgrims in 1 Peter 1:1. In other versions it is translated as exiles, sojourners, strangers, foreigners, those who live as refugees, those away from their homes, those who reside as aliens, and temporary residents.

The last is the best—temporary residents. The actual Greek word Peter used describes someone who settles down temporarily in a land not his or her own. As Christians, we’re citizens of heaven and joint heirs with Christ. This world isn’t our home; we’re here on temporary assignment. This isn’t our destination but our deployment.

The heroes of Hebrews 11 desired a better country, a heavenly one, and therefore God wasn’t ashamed to be called their God, for He was preparing a city for them. The book of Revelation ends by describing this new Jerusalem and our eternal inheritance.

This old earth isn’t much of a bequest; it’s too tarnished and too transient. Better things are ahead. Let’s set our minds on things above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down, An heir to a mansion, a robe, and a crown.

HARRIET E. BUELL