“పరవాసిని నే జగమున ప్రభువా” – A MERE SOJOURNER

As we begin another work week, let us pause and ponder upon all what we want in this life. We surely have many needs. We certainly have many dreams. We passionately pursue goals for our lives, and want to achieve something in this life, before we no longer are capable of, mentally and physically to achieve them. This is precisely the point where we should pause from all what we are running towards in this life, and ask ourselves as Christians – the followers and the disciples of the LORD Jesus – some very important questions in the light of what the Bible talks about, and all the great men and women of God, recorded therein have believed and followed faithfully.

Each of the great men and women of God believed clearly and firmly that this world is not the ultimate and final destination of all children of God. The written Word of God declares that they were looking for a city whose Architect and Builder is the LORD God Himself.
– “13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:13-16
– “15 For we are aliens [sojourners, temporary residents or travellers] and pilgrims [transients, temporary residents in an even more temporary sense] before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.” – 1 Chronicles 29:15
– “8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” – Hebrews 11:8-10

The concept of pilgrims and sojourners is a clear concept proposed and propogated by the Bible. The idea being, all children of God are merely transiting as pilgrims, through the earth, and thus are temporary residents, looking for a place that God is preparing for His people and His children.
– “The concept of being a stranger or sojourner is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are prime examples…The Israelites’ experience in Egypt further illustrates this theme…This promise is a recurring theme, highlighting the temporary nature of their dwelling in foreign lands and the anticipation of a permanent inheritance…The New Testament continues this theme, applying it to the Christian life…This…reflects the understanding that believers are on a spiritual pilgrimage, seeking a heavenly homeland…The Apostle Peter also addresses this concept in his epistles…Peter emphasizes the moral and spiritual implications of living as strangers in the world, encouraging a lifestyle [and a mindset] that reflects their heavenly citizenship.” – Topical Encyclopedia – Bible Hub

Describing the “Pilgrim Status” of all Children of God, someone beautifully penned a song in Telugu – “పరవాసిని నే జగమున ప్రభువా” – which is popular. The words of this song aptly describe the status of Christian journey, declaring that, *”WE ARE BUT A MERE SOJOURNER”* while on the earth.
– “పరవాసిని నే జగమున ప్రభువా నడచుచున్నాను నీ దారిన్ నా గురి నీవే నా ప్రభువా నీ దరినే జేరెదను నేను…నీ దరినే జేరెదను”
– “LORD I am a sojourner in this world. I am walking in Your path with my aim, my goal, my purpose and my destination being, to come to You and to Your shelter.” – A loose translation

Dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to pursue life and all our aspirations, let us never forget that this world is not our final destination. We are merely transiting through it. Our destination is God Himself, and the City that He is building. Even so, the LORD Jesus help us.