A stranger in the earth

Pam Padgett ... teacher

Psalm 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

Because God has chosen us, calling us to walk in His ways rather than ways of the flesh, we are strangers in the earth. 

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The flesh wants to fit in, to be accepted.  But we don't fit in with those of the world.  We say and do things that seem strange to them.  They do and say things that trouble us, the Holy Spirit in us being troubled by the evil.  We are strangers on this earth, not going in the ways of our flesh, but seeking to do what is right in the sight of God in all of our ways, as we wait and look for the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.   

2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

In Hebrews 11 we are told about those who went before us believing God and walking in His ways, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham.  They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, not seeking things of this world and to be accepted here.  Instead they looked to that which God has promised, and sought to be pleasing to God  ...

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

(Comments by Joan Boney ... I often feel so dead.  And truly, I am dead ... Col. 3   If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  )