Much has been said in the last few weeks in the news and opinion pieces about refugees. Recently, and somewhat controversially, the USA granted 49 “Afrikaners” (white South Africans with an Afrikaans background) refugee status. Donald Trump and Cyril Rhamaposa, the SA president, even debated SA’s crime problem n the Oval Office.
A refugee is typically a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, violence, persecution or natural disaster. Many people from other African nations have come to SA as refugees.
Many have debated whether the US should have granted refugee status to these South Africans. No doubt there are horrendous attacks on Afrikaner farmers in rural areas. But there is also no doubt that there is ongoing horrific violence impacting South Africans of all ethnicities, cultures, demographics and geographies as well.
Whatever your view, perhaps the latest focus on crime and violence will cause the SA Government to take the crime catastrophe more seriously and do more to protect all the people of SA. Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that one of the key God-given mandates for governments is to reward good and punish evil.
Soberingly, the Bible refers to Christians as refugees. Why?
- Our true citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. (Philippians 3:20-21)
- The renewed world in the future will be our permanent home, not this world. (Revelation 21:1-5, Hebrews 11:13-14)
Christians are referred to in the New Testament as scattered exiles (1 Peter 1:1) and foreigners (1 Peter 2:11). Our hope and allegiance is ultimately not to this world, but to world to come. Our ultimate security and safety does not come from this world, but from the world to come.
Whether you like it or not, as a Christian, you are a refugee.
Therefore,
Don’t love this world and its fading pleasures.
Don’t cherish this world and its rusting treasures.
Don’t live for this world and its temporary comforts.
Don’t find your joy in this world and its tarnishing tinsel.
Don’t make your priority this world and its unsecure securities.
Don’t look to this world and its corroding cash to give you purpose.
Don’t seek to fill the hole in your heart with the failing fillings of this world.
Christian, you are a refugee.
Stop living as if this world is your home.
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)