“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.” 

Hebrews 11:13

Although we can’t know what lies around the next bend—what obstacles or pitfalls await us—we’re always confident of Whose we are and where we’re end up.

“Where ‘ya headed?”

Such a question is not uncommon when you’re traveling somewhere, particularly if it’s to a far-off land.  It may come from someone sitting next to you in an airport waiting room or across the aisle from on a bus or train.  And, without hesitation—unless you’re leery of talking to strangers—you’ll usually tell them your destination and ask them theirs.

Yet, for some reason, we become tongue-tied or mealy-mouthed when it comes to our Final Destination after our sojourn here on earth.  Maybe it’s because of our being uncertain; or, it could be we’re embarrassed to talk about such things to those we don’t know.

But, such shouldn’t be, Pilgrim—especially if we’ve “received the promises. . .seen them afar off (envisioned what they look like). . .are persuaded (convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt) of them. . .and have embraced them (as our own).”

Truly, “pleasing faith” (Heb. 11:6) should always be a bold, vocal faith (Heb. 4:16; 10:19).

And, it should be a faith that “confesses that ‘this world is not my home, I’m just a-travelin’ 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’.”  Hallelujah!!

Yes, by faith we declare in no uncertain terms that we are “strangers and pilgrims on this earth.”

To do so, we must understand the difference between the two.

Someone once put it this way:  “A vagabond (wandering homeless person) is someone who has no home.  A criminal is someone who’s running from home.  A stranger is someone who’s away from home.  But, a Pilgrim is someone who’s headed toward Home.”

So, again, the question is appropriate:

“Where ‘ya headed, Pilgrim?!?”

And, without hesitation, you ought to declare “To Heaven—that Place prepared for me!!” (Jn. 14:1-3; II Cor. 4:16-5:8).  Glory!!

That’s why you never feel at “home” in this world, weary one.  This old, sinful, fallen world was never intended to be the final abode of the Redeemed; we’ll always feel like “the odd man out” or a square peg in a round hole—simply because our views and values are diametrically opposite of this world’s (Phil. 3:17-21).

Therefore, always keep your eyes upon the Lord Jesus, knowing that He is both “the Author and Finisher/Perfecter of your faith” (Heb. 12:2).  And, even though He’s still finishing up that beautiful Bridal Chamber even now, He’s still with you each step of the Journey there.  Amen!

By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 28, 2011

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