Sojourners of the Kingdom
Throughout the pages of Scripture, a certain theme has always stood out to me about God’s relationship with His people Israel: He refers to them as sojourners. It speaks to the journey of their lives, ever in motion and uncertainty, and mirrors a soul deeply rooted in dependence on Him. In calling Israel sojourners, God revealed not only their temporary residence on earth but also His ongoing care, presence, and provision throughout their sojourn.
Israel: A Sojourning People
From the very beginning, the people of Israel lived as sojourners. Abraham, the father of their faith, lived in tents in the land God promised to give to his descendants.
And while Abraham held onto God’s promises, he wouldn’t live to see the full inheritance in his lifetime. He remained a sojourner, struggling in his own ways, trying to cling to the promises of God. His descendants—Isaac, Jacob, and eventually the entire nation of Israel—would also experience this status, especially during their years in Egypt, the wilderness, and even after entering the promised land.
A Sojourner’s Heart Leading to Compassion
God didn’t just acknowledge Israel as sojourners; He also asked them to remember that identity in how they treated others:
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 22:21
“Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:19
God reminded Israel that their past experience of being vulnerable, dependent, and displaced should shape their national character. They were to extend the same compassion and justice to others that He had shown them.
Sojourning with Purpose
Though being a sojourner might sound like a lesser identity, in God's plan, it was full of dignity and destiny. Israel was not homeless; they were pilgrims heading to the home God had promised. Even during exile, wandering, or foreign oppression, God never forgot His covenant. His promises remained.
In the wilderness, He gave manna. In exile, He sent prophets. Then he sent his Son on a sojourn to earth. And now, he has given us abundant grace through the presence of his Holy Spirit.
In every season of sojourning, He remains faithful.
Pointing to the Great Sojourner
Israel’s story as a sojourning nation ultimately pointed forward to Jesus, who Himself became a sojourner. Born in a borrowed manger, fleeing to Egypt as a child, and living without a permanent home during His ministry, Jesus identified completely with the lowly and the displaced.
“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
While Israel’s sojourn was leading to a temporal location, Jesus’ sojourn is bringing us to an eternal home.
Through Him, both Jews and Gentiles are invited to become citizens of a heavenly kingdom—sojourners on earth, yes, but children of God with an eternal inheritance. Though we haven't experienced it just yet.
God’s Compassion for the Sojourner
Does any of this resonate with you? It certainly has for me!
Why does life feel so uncomfortable? Are relationships supposed to be this challenging and frustrating? Why am I always waiting for the other shoe to drop? All these things and more reveal that we are not alone- we all have these questions and it points to the transience of life.
Our hope comes from God being El Roi, the God who sees. He identifies with our experiences and is moved to act on our behalf. I love this passage from Exodus, where the Israelites, enslaved in Egypt, cry out to their God for rescue.
““Then the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey…” ”
He is not indifferent. He is not unmoved. It is the heart of God to care for those who live in the world as outsiders, wanderers, sufferers.
“The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless…” Psalm 146:9a
God makes it clear that Yes, this is our experience walking through the wilderness of life, but Yes, He Himself is our protector.
Sojourner Soulcare
Israel’s journey reminds us that God never forgets His sojourning people. He watches over them, upholds them, and guides them according to His promises. To be a sojourner under the care of God is not to be forsaken—it is to be led by the hand of the One who brings His people home.
Just as He led Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, so He leads His people today—with faithfulness, compassion, and covenant love.
That is why we exist at Sojourner Soulcare- to bring grace, dignity, and compassion for your life’s sojourn. If you are struggling, we offer Christ-centered care in person in New London, NH, along with telehealth options. We would love to hear from you and how we can be a faithful presence in your life.
I’ll leave you with this benediction from the modern hymn, Peace of the Lord by The Porter’s Gate:
May the Peace of the Lord go with you,
May the Peace of the Lord go with you,
May the Peace of the Lord go with you, wherever you may go.If he sends you to the wilderness, may he give you flowing springs.
Through the long days of your exodus, taste the sweetness manna brings.May the Peace of the Lord go with you.
May the Peace of the Lord go with you.
May the Peace of the Lord go with you, wherever you may go.If he sends you on the raging sea, may his mercy go before.
To show you where your calling leads and protect you in the storm.If he sends you through the vale of tears, May he join you as you weep.
May he hold you when you meet your fears, in the shadows dark and deep.