Listen to this devotion
I’m but a Stranger Here
In the Word
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–20).
Of the Word
I’m but a stranger here, Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on ev’ry hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.
This hymn of hope and comfort is often sung at funerals or on days of remembrance of the saints in heaven. Our earthly life is a pilgrimage, one that will end in the glories of heaven for all who believe and are forgiven through the saving work of Jesus.
The conviction of the phrase, “Heav’n is my home,” adds to the beauty of the hymn. It confidently states “heaven is my home” not “heaven will be my home” or “heaven might be my home.”
“And I shall surely stand There at my Lord’s right hand; Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.”
Walking with my Lord
Eternal God, thank You for preparing my heavenly home. Grant me that upward view through each step I take on the earth. In Jesus’ heaven-opening name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Joyful, Joyful. Rev. Larry and Shari Miller, authors. 24/31. Hymn Text: LSB 748. ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
All hymns are public domain with the text reprinted from Lutheran Service Book, ©2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.
