By Samuel Odeyemi
I may not know what exactly my brothers and sisters in other nations of the world are presently going through, but I am given a message to you, if you are one.
Racism, apartheid, antisemitism (for the Jews), etc., are terms connected with what a foreigner faces in a “strange” land. In some countries, they are silent, while in others, they are well pronounced.
A few days ago, I got inspired by some lives in the Bible, like Nehemiah (God comfort), Belteshazzar (Daniel- God is my judge), Shadrach (Hananiah- God has been gracious), Meshach (Mishael- Who is what God is), Abed-nego (Azariah – The Lord has helped), Esther (Hadassah- “myrtle tree”), Mordecai, ETC.
My take about the personalities above is that none of them lost their true identity or allowed being in a foreign land to make them lose their values. Instead of allowing themselves to be completely reduced to slaves, they distinguished themselves in extra ordinary ways, especially in transformative leadership.
Some things must have come into play with them:
They lived with the acknowledgment of the fact that “The earth is the LORD’S and its fullness.” Psalm 24:1 NKJV.
So, YAHWEH owned the entire Persia Empire. Brother/sister, your heavenly Father owns that land you call foreign. You are not the so-called stranger. If He has sent you there, He promises to give it to you as your possession. Joshua 1:3, Psalm 2:8.
They lived confidently with the consciousness of YAHWEH – the great God of their fathers. Brother/sister, even where you are, you are as great as your God is. You are not less than or inferior to an American, a European, a Japanese, a Canadian, etc.
They maintained their true identities, despite changing their names to Babylonia names. My brother/sister, never change your identity in Christ for any reason. CHRIST is your true Identity (Col. 1:27, Gal. 2:20). Remember, your identity is the key to your Father’s inheritance on earth – even where you are and in Heaven. You are a royal priesthood; a peculiar people; a holy nation, to show forth His Praise.
They never bowed down to or worship the gods of the land. They were ready for death on the account of the worship of Jehovah and obedience to His commandment. Brother/sister, no matter how difficult it is, while others worship other gods, chase money and worship the glamorous things of this life, only the LORD God Almighty, your Creator deserves your worship, so that whenever you need Him, He will show up for you.
They never traded away their PERSONAL DEVOTION (e.g., Private prayer, Bible Study etc), for other pleasurable activities. Someone like Daniel never missed his prayer times, despite his busy schedules and the enemies’ threats. He eventually became influential and exceedingly great. Brother/sister, your time for personal intimacy with God in personal prayers, worship, Bible Study and meditation is your STRENGTH’s secret. Don’t skip it.
They never lost sight of their God-given hidden potentials. Who would ever know that a “Governor” or some leadership traits were locked up in Nehemiah, the king’s cup-bearer? Brother/sister, never lose sight of the hidden potentials in you. The fact that you are not in your own land, Nigeria, does not mean that you can not become all that God created you to be. Fan the gifts in you to flames! Never bury your talents. Strive for excellence, leadership, and influence.
They never forgot the land of their nativity. They longed for Jerusalem! They turned to her direction to pray. They longed for a return. No Jewish man wanted to die in a foreign land. Brother/sister, this may not presently mean your physical return to your own Country. But, as God helps you, let your impacts be felt at home. Pray and keep praying for your own “Jerusalem”. Build lasting legacies at home – not just buildings. Keep probing into the Creator’s mind why He made you a Nigerian, perhaps, He has some assignments for you there.
They never broke fellowshiping with one another. See Daniel praying with his native friends in Daniel 2:17-19. See the closeness between Mordecai, Esther, and other Jews. Brother/sister, no matter what, keep fellowship with your native friends. Apart from the personal benefits you will derive from this, you may be saving someone who is lost or about to get lost. Be your “brother’s keeper” and not like Cain.
They knew that the earth was not their permanent abode. They longed for a City, whose Builder and Maker is God. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Heb. 11:10-14.
Brother/sister, you too, keep reminding yourself that you are a stranger and pilgrim on earth. Actually, our real and ultimate destination is Heaven. While you remain where you are (no matter how beautiful the place is), never forget to lay your treasures up in Heaven.
There is no place comparable to Heaven. Give yourself to good works, charity, Christian missions, be productive or fruitful in your workplace (win souls for Christ) and serve in your local church Assembly.
By and by, we all shall make it finally to our heavenly Home, in Jesus Christ’s Name 🙏🏽
I am your brother and friend, Samuel O. Odeyemi
