“All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes
to town.” Leo Tolstoy
“Will the flight attendants please prepare the cabin for arrival.” I have heard this
announcement hundreds of times over 45 years. It typically signals I am about to enter
another foreign port of debarkation. It is an admonition to brace for the next cross
cultural experience; a reminder, I am a visitor, a guest, a stranger in a stranger land.
Such is the life of a Sent One.
The Bible has much to say about strangers. It tells us how to treat one and how to be
one. We might define a stranger as anyone who is “not from around here.” One who is
unknown, unfamiliar, an outsider. The Bible uses terms like alien, sojourner, foreigner,
pilgrim which are essentially synonymous with stranger. Strangers have a very special
place in the Father’s heart. In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were instructed to love
the stranger (Dt.10). They are placed in the same category with the fatherless and
widow as those marginalized and vulnerable in society. God’s people were not to
oppress, harm or withhold from them. In the New Testament, Jesus emphatically tells
us the way we treat strangers is how we treat Him (Mt.25). We may even be
entertaining angels when meeting a stranger (Hb.13).
The world we live in has created many strangers. There are more displaced persons
(i.e. refugees, asylum seekers) now than at any time in human history. Over 240 million
people live in a different country than where they were born. There are diaspora from
every nation in most nations. Mass migration has literally changed cultures that have
existed for generations. This phenomenon has even changed the way we do church
and evangelism.
Being a stranger is an important facet of our identity in Christ. The truth is, if we are IN
CHRIST we are all strangers. We are re-born from above and our citizenship is in
heaven. That makes us aliens on earth. We need to conduct ourselves here as
strangers. The Bible gives us examples of what that looks like. Some of the greatest
Bible figures were perfect strangers, sent by God to a strange land. We learn important
lesson from how they comported themselves. Consider…
Abrm, who was from Ur of the Chaldeans (modern day Iraq) when he was told to leave
his home and go to a foreign land he would later inherit. He obeyed by faith. It takes
absolute trust in God to leave what is familiar and become a stranger in a place you
know nothing about; not even how to get there. But Abrm obeyed knowing God had a
plan and would go with him.
Ruth was from Moab (present day Jordan). When her Hebrew husband died, she joined
herself with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and returned to Israel. As an outsider, alien, a
stranger, she engrafted herself into the Hebrew culture, forsaking the gods and idolatry
from where she had come. “Your People shall be my people, and your God my God.”
Ruth exhibited many fine qualities like loyalty, kindness, and courage. But her humility
in submitting to The One True God and adapting to the customs of the new land are
inspiring.
Joseph is another example of a stranger surviving and thriving in a strange land. We
know his story well. He was sold as a slave and taken captive to Egypt from his
homeland. In spite of many injustices he remained faithful and served in each place he
landed. His gift made a way for him and God used a stranger to save the world from
famine. Eventually Joseph realized God had a plan. What his brothers meant for evil,
God turned for good.
Daniel is my favorite portrait of a perfect stranger. He was taken captive to Babylon as a
young man. There he lived and served under four different kings. He utilized his unique
gifts and experienced God’s favor to such a degree he was promoted to the highest
position of authority under the king. Daniel’s honor and integrity sustained him. Even in
life threatening circumstances Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs. Very
impressive for one who was a mere stranger.
Each one of these stories is a testament to God’s favor demonstrated for a stranger in a
strange land. This is our testimony also. Remember, we are all strangers in this world,
seeking the Kingdom (our Homeland) that will never end.
Here are some practical points on how to be a perfect stranger:
In faith, believe God has sent you and is with you. (Abrm)
In humility, learn and adapt to the new culture. (Ruth)
In service, utilizing the gifts God has given you. (Joseph)
In dignity, honor culture but don’t compromise your values. (Daniel)
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off
were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a
homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come
out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a
heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has
prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16
