Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 PETER 1:1-2)

Peter says that Christians are the strangers scattered. If we think it is poetic expression simply, it couldn't have great import. However we can find the fact that it never means a simple thing via staring at the matter. So it is. This is most proper expression that summarize Christ’s lifetime in a word.

Every Christian is strangers without exception. They have a destination, but they don’t stay at one place before arrive at their goal. If he want to settle down at one place, it means that he give up the life as a stranger. It is so important thing to Christians. They are peoples who make steady progress with desire for the kingdom of heaven. They can’t live in peace under any circumstance during their lifetime. If they want to cast anchor in putting their desire at the world, they can be regarded as resigning their glory of the heaven. Our purpose isn’t in the world. We might encounter stubborn resistance if we pursue it.

Don’t be discouraged but be happy when our life is tough and difficult, because it will give the better value of life to us. A stranger doesn’t have many burdens. When we are willing to dismiss our burdens, we can become a real traveler. Look at Paul. He gave up his honor, power, knowledge, and all glory for becoming real traveler, and went on Lord’s glorious way (Philippians 3:5-9). Now, do you live the world as a stranger? It is need to look back how much our looks have burdens, and if we stand in a condition that can’t walk God’s glorious way because of the burdens. We, are Christians, are strangers.

Translation by Lee ji-hye