Are we not NOMADS? Perhaps those who RV it maintain a better sense of the nomadic dimension of the Christian life. However, scripture repeatedly refers to us as nomads, exiles, pilgrims and sojourners. The Exodus certainly qualified as one very long camping trip! Jesus, Paul and many other biblical characters clearly demonstrated this mobile lifestyle. Even so, most of us tend to get pretty well entrenched. In spite of home ownership or lifetime loyalties to certain locations, however, we too are actually temporary residents.
THIS EARTH IS NOT OUR HOME. We are actually citizens of Heaven where Jesus is preparing a place for us per John 14. We may or may not enjoy a well set-up home here on earth, but we will do so in Heaven. All our needs will be met. We will not need to shop for or wait for a home, appliances, or movers. How glorious will be our paid for, permanent, eternal home in a neighborhood where there is no sin at all. May our attitude about our camping lifestyle on this earth and every word about our current base camp indicate our anticipation of an eternity with Jesus in Heaven.
Whether we are currently camping in a small assisted living apartment or a large house, we nomads do give thought to how the furniture is arranged and pictures hung. We call it “home,” and it takes on much meaning. It becomes our safe place, the place where we welcome, feed, comfort, even celebrate others. In this process, we are endeavoring to provide for ourselves and our families, but it is tempting to make our temporary home more than it should be. Thus, it is good to remind one another that we are “FOREIGNERS AND NOMADS.” This sinful world is our temporary assignment, not Heaven. Adopting an eternal mindset is biblical, and it has numerous advantages. Thinking this way somehow makes it easier to tolerate current inconveniences, pain, and loss. Thinking eternally also makes it easier to make plans for those we will leave behind at the end of this life.
Designed to enable you to leave a legacy of love and finish this life well, HERITAGE OF HOPE offers a unique opportunity to share this heavenly outlook with those you love. When you’ve completed the checklist in your Heritage of Hope Workbook, you will need to introduce and explain your exit strategies (final arrangements, legal documents, memorial service, etc.) to your support team and those impacted. Many do not want to discuss death, but I pray you will be able to overcome their dread of this topic with your biblically grounded hope in the place Jesus is preparing for all who trust Him as Savior and Lord. After all, we nomads are just camping. HEAVEN IS OUR HOME.
HEBREWS: 11:13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 16. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 13:14 For this world is not our permanent home, we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
