THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME
This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
This old classic by Albert E Brumley was one of the first Christian songs I learned as a new believer back in 1965 when I was drafted into the US Army at the start of the Viet Nam war. It’s been a favorite every since. It’s never been truer than today! (you can hear the whole song, with lyrics, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKtCM3U3oE).
Peter reminded the struggling Christians in their day that they are “foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV). Other translations say we are “aliens and strangers” (NASB), “strangers and pilgrims” (KJV) and “sojourners and exiles” (ESV). Whichever translation you prefer, the meaning is obvious. We are traveling through this world looking for a better Home for all eternity (Hebrews 11:13). We are citizens of heaven (Ephesians 2:12, 19; Hebrews 12:22; 13:14). Our Father is there (Matthew 6:9). Our home is there (John 14:2-3). Our treasure is there (Matthew 6:2; Colossians 1:3). Our assurance and security are there (Colossians 1:15).
During these times of uncertainty, it becomes ever clearer that this world is indeed not our home. Praise God we have something much better and we are just passing through this place. When this life is over, we will be with God in perfection forever (2 Corinthians 5:1). Until then keep looking up! Don’t look to this world to meet needs only God can meet! Don’t panic or fear, no matter what happens in this world. Remember that it isn’t your home!
1 Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Listen to “This World Is Not My Home” (see link above) a few times and sing it to yourself throughout the day. Send it to someone else who needs encouraging. Look up the verses in the blog and memorize those God uses to encourage you to keep your eyes on your Heavenly Home.