Alien, Earthling, or Tourist?

1 Peter 2:11
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

If I ever print T-shirts, this verse is going on the back. More and more, I find myself thinking about the kinds of metaphors which are meant to capture the role of our lives as believers in the world. In describing our place in this world, the Bible uses words such as, ambassadors, aliens, sojourners, strangers and soldiers.

There are many titles that the Bible uses to describe our place on this earth. The word, “tourist” isn’t among them. Although, I think it would be a more accurate descriptor for many of us; myself included at times.

The Question

When we look at the terms that I have mentioned, what is the common theme? (aliens, sojourners, ambassadors, soldiers, strangers)

I’ll leave you with that thought for a moment.

I don’t know about you, but I often wonder what it would have been like to be alive in Jesus’ day. Specifically, when I hear the messages that Christ preached, they don’t sound similar to the kinds of sermons that I hear from pastors and preachers in our time. I’m not being critical of those who preach in our era, in fact, I prefer to think that I walk among them.

But be honest. If you listen to the words that Christ spoke, they don’t sound the same as if you are listening to a sermon from John Piper or John MacArthur. Do they? In fact, Jesus rarely, if ever, delivered what we would characterize as being a classical sermon. Sure. He gave what we have labeled to be “The Sermon on The Mount”, but it doesn’t read as a true sermon.

The Answer

Matthew 4:23
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

If you read the Gospels, it won’t take you very long before you notice the phrase, “the good news of the kingdom.” The message that Christ proclaimed through His stories wasn’t a message against spousal abuse, drug use or homosexuality. His message was often described as the good news of the kingdom.

Words such as soldier, ambassador, alien, and sojourner have implications with regards to our citizenship. The good news that Jesus preached was the opportunity to become a citizen of God’s Kingdom.

Now, the word, “kingdom” holds little value in our time. So when we hear about the good news of the kingdom, it has the potential to leave us with some freaky ultra spiritual feeling. The word kingdom might take us back to a time with men wearing armor, jousting for the hand of their fair lady.

The good news, is that through Christ, we have the opportunity to become card carrying citizens of God’s country. Is that good news?

For many, it is. When is the last time you heard anyone say, “I am so happy with the government that we have.” “Boy. Every time the government does something, they do it so well.” I don’t know about you, but I hear SOOOO much complaining about the government, no matter who sits at the top.

Whenever we have elections, there is this sense that if we elect the right person, they should be able to fix our problems. I remember the optimism that seemed to capture the world when Obama won the US presidency. George W, was the bad guy, and this new guy had the right answers. How did that turn out? If they elect a republican back into office, maybe that will put America back on top again.

No matter who takes the helm, our problems don’t go away. Christ offers us citizenship into a nation that will never go the way of the Mayans, whose credit rating will never be downgraded and whose citizens are all cared for. It’s a country without end, without crime, without sickness or death.

That might not sound like good news for you. You might like it here. You might like the very things that are outlawed in His country. You have the privilege to enjoy them while you can. Perhaps you really are an earthling. That wouldn't be a compliment.

Where do you belong? Is this your home? Are you quite comfortable here? If Christ were to reign here in a literal sense, would that ruin your fun?