Wayfaring Stranger

Today I read Jeremiah 11:13-14:8 and 1 Timothy 6:13-2 Timothy 1:12. My favorite verses are:

Jeremiah 14:7-8 O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. 8O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

When we confess our sins before God and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Word promises that they are forgiven. Jeremiah speaks of the Savior as a wayfaring man who only abides with us for a short time. But Paul reminds Timothy that the Savior has brought life and immortality—life forever. The difference is the gospel! The good news from God is that He has given us salvation through Jesus Christ according to His grace. God planned this before he created the world or mankind. He knew that man would not be able to be faithful to Him on his own. He planned from forever to forever to send His Son to save us and His Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that we could have eternal life, not just a temporary fix from a wayfaring stranger. God loves us and wants to abide with us forever. We must choose to accept His holy calling if we want Him to come and live in us. When this Wayfaring Stranger knocks at your door, welcome Him and have a room prepared where he can stay—always abiding with you!