Sometimes I feel like a foreigner and a stranger in this world. 

Simon Peter addressed early believers in exactly those words. In a world of darkness, evil, and rebellion,  Simon Peter wanted those believers to live lives of purity and devotion unto God. In fact, he said it this way; Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against  your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they  may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us 1 Peter 2:11-12. 

The events in Nashville this week have led me to think more and more that I am an alien and a stranger in  a very unusual land. Fortunately, God gives us explicit instructions of how to live in these kinds of times. We  are to glorify God in all things, and let others see our good works that they may glorify the Father in heaven.  Simon Peter, of course, learned this from the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. 

In that sense, nothing has changed. Though we are strangers in an alien land, we have been called to show  the magnificent deeds of God to our world. 

As we gather this weekend for Palm Sunday, we have a perfect opportunity to give the reason for the hope that we have in Christ – 1 Peter 3:15. 

I pray that you and I will take every opportunity to give glory to God today and in this time in which we  celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

– Waylon