Day 47: Leviticus 24-25; Mark 1:29-45

"Aliens and temporary residents" (CSB), or "Strangers and Sojourners" (NKJV) are terms God uses (Leviticus 25:23) to remind His children who they are and that "the land is His." Indeed, "The earth is the LORDS and everything therein" (Psalm 24:1) including land and inhabitants. Rather than finding these labels disconcerting, they should point us to a greater truth and a glorious hope. While this world has much to offer and delight us, it is not our final residence. As His children, we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), looking forward to an eternal home prepared for us by Jesus Himself (John 14:1-2), in a magnificent place beyond description (Revelation 21-22), whose Builder and Architect is none other than the Architect of the universe, God our Abba Father (Hebrews 11:10). What God is saying to the people of Israel is,  "Enjoy the land and every benefit it offers, but don't get so tied down to it that you forget who you are and Whose you are. Keep first things first (Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:33), and you will enjoy my abundant and gracious blessing now and forever." This is such a good word for us today! Take time to ponder your priorities as I take time to ponder mine. P.S. Did you notice in our reading that Jesus went off to pray very early in the morning (Mark 1:35)? A good way to keep first things first! E.M. Bounds writes: "The spirit of a pilgrim [read sojourner/temporary resident] makes praying easier. An earth-bound, earth-satisfied spirit cannot pray...But they that wait continually on the Lord do renew their strength."