Foreigners and exiles on earth

1 Peter 1: 1-2 [AMP version]

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those [elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers] who live as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father …

May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God].

20^th June was celebrated as World Refugee Day. It’s been impressed on my heart recently the thought that Peter was writing to the believers who lived as refugees scattered away from their original homes. God used Peter the Apostle to inspire grace and peace into a set of refugees, reminding them that though they are strangers and foreigners on earth, they are a royal priesthood and chosen generation to Father God.  It’s been 20 years since I have left the country of my birth, India. I understand to an extent, the mindset, that strange feeling of being a foreigner, as I moved 2 countries and continents. Thus, I was drawn to the migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa and recently Ukraine. Imagine you lose your home and the security of the monthly income overnight, and you end up at the mercy of others, especially strangers, for your sustenance. I believe God is calling us as a church to open our hearts to the nations whom He has brought into our church and communities. Let’s come out of our cozy zone, to remember the millions who became refugees over the decade and who can’t enjoy normality, stability or, holidays as many of us do.

Activity: 

For a start, look out for the international people in our TVC Church gatherings – from Asia, Africa, Europe etc.

Connect /invite to your home at least one international person/family to appreciate, get to know their culture, and faith journey. It’s gonna be exciting!

Prophetic Focus:

Isaiah 2:2,3

Now it will come to pass that in the last days

The mountain of the house of the Lord

Will be [firmly] established as the highest of the mountains,

And will be exalted above the hills;

And all the nations will stream to it.

And many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house (temple) of the God of Jacob;

That He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.”

God is giving the church today the mandate of receiving/going to the nations to showcase His ways, glory and power. God is going to send many nations into His church. Hence, the question is are we ready to embrace these nations and build His Kingdom together? Declare that we shall be a welcoming, anointed and powerful church of large-hearted believers who make Jesus famous through our mercy and generosity.

Prayer Focus:

Speak the Name of  Jesus: 

1. Follow the news of the war-torn countries, ask God for His compassion and speak Jesus’ name into the helplessness and hopelessness of the displaced people.
2. Speak Jesus’ name into the wars/refugee crisis across the world – ask God for particular nation (s)/ people group (s) He wants you to be open to, and pray about.
3. Pray and surrender yourself to whatever role God has for you regarding the refugees and international people God brings to us.