Foreigners

 "Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."

— 1 Peter 1:17

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Peter made an observation on his readers that I have to assess for myself personally. Do I call on the Father? It gives me pause because I'm still navigating and understanding how I view the Father Heart of God. Today, may this be a reminder to me to call on the Father, to not fear calling on the Father, to ask my Father for what I need! He's a good, good Father who cares for me!

He is also a Father who judges and He judges each person's work—what we do with this life—impartially. He doesn't play favorites. We will stand before Him on level ground and be held accountable and rewarded for how we invested our time on this earth. How will my life be weighed and judged? Will I leave an impact upon people's lives? Will my work be judged and found lacking or will my work be met by the Father saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant."?

While I invest this life, I do so with an awareness that I am a foreigner here. This isn't my home. This is a very temporary, fleeting moment that while it's all I've ever known, it isn't my true home. It's not where I belong. I am a citizen of Heaven and I'm awaiting my relocation there! Until that day, I will live out my time on this earth as a foreigner and I'll do it with reverent fear.

Reverent fear is what Hebrews 12:28-29 describes, "... worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Reverent fear is a holy awe at the sheer power and magnitude our God has. Reverent fear says "I'm afraid to get too close but at the same time I can't get close enough! I'm drawn to God's power and awe!"

Lord Jesus, today I call on the Father, my righteous judge. Today I wait for my true home, living out my time as a foreigner. Today I approach my God with reverent fear.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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