The concept of living as strangers and sojourners is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the transient nature of human life on earth and the call for believers to live with an eternal perspective. This theme is deeply rooted in the understanding that the followers of God are citizens of heaven, temporarily residing in a world that is not their ultimate home.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of being a stranger and sojourner is first introduced in the Old Testament. Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, is a prime example. In Genesis 23:4, Abraham describes himself as "a foreigner and a stranger among you" when negotiating for a burial site for his wife, Sarah. This acknowledgment of his status underscores the temporary nature of his dwelling in the land promised to him by God.

The Israelites' experience in Egypt further illustrates this theme. In Exodus 22:21, God commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt" . This commandment serves as a reminder of their past and a call to empathy and justice, reflecting their own history as sojourners.

The Levitical laws also emphasize this identity. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me" . Here, God reminds the Israelites that their possession of the land is temporary and conditional upon their relationship with Him.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter. In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter exhorts believers, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul" . This passage highlights the spiritual battle faced by Christians and the need to live distinctively in a world that is not their permanent home.

The Epistle to the Hebrews also addresses this theme, particularly in the context of faith. Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of the patriarchs, stating, "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth" . This acknowledgment of their status as strangers is linked to their faith in God's promises and their hope for a heavenly homeland.

Practical Implications for Believers

Living as strangers and sojourners has practical implications for believers. It calls for a lifestyle that reflects heavenly values rather than earthly ones. In Philippians 3:20, Paul reminds the church, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" . This heavenly citizenship should influence how Christians engage with the world, prioritizing eternal matters over temporal concerns.

Moreover, this identity encourages believers to live with a sense of detachment from worldly possessions and status. Jesus Himself taught in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" . This teaching aligns with the sojourner mindset, focusing on eternal investments.

Community and Witness

The communal aspect of living as strangers and sojourners is also significant. The early church, as described in Acts 2:44-47, exemplified a community that lived with a sense of shared purpose and mutual support, reflecting their identity as a people set apart. This communal living served as a powerful witness to the surrounding culture, drawing others to the faith.

Furthermore, the call to live as strangers and sojourners is a call to be ambassadors for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us" . As ambassadors, believers represent the values and message of the kingdom of God, living in a way that points others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

In summary, the biblical theme of living as strangers and sojourners invites believers to embrace their identity as temporary residents on earth, with a focus on eternal realities and a commitment to living out their faith in a way that honors God and impacts the world around them.