We are stateless vagabonds on this earth.
One of the most powerful images from the Old Testament is that of the wilderness nomad. The nation of Israel was called upon to maintain the symbolism of living in tents long after they settled in Palestine. It was a critical part of the celebration called Booths, just after their New Year. Even the Temple was built to resemble the layout of the original Tabernacle in Exodus.
When the Kingdom of Israel was dissolved on the Cross, the symbolism remained. In the New Testament this is carried forward in the expression “not of this world.” We are forever visitors and not residents. Our only real home is in God’s Courts above. This is the essence of how we handle persecution. There is no real vested interest in the things of this world, nor it’s nations and kingdoms.
There’s nothing wrong with feelings of nostalgia and favor for the people where you were raised, or where you live now. Just don’t get trapped in the feelings. Recognize those emotions for what they are: a natural outgrowth of human comfort in nesting. We have no real home on this earth. We can wear the colors and cheer our favorite sports teams, but we don’t really belong. In the final analysis our sole loyalty is to Christ.
Christ was rejected by this world. He said we should expect the same as a part of following Him. We must take up our own crosses. In the moment of crisis, our convictions will drive us to different answers to the problems. They will eventually turn on us. As tribulation rises, true believers are always distinguished in this way.
This is the mindset of Christians in persecution.
Amen to that, Brother!