So, what in the world is a “S o J o”? I guess that it’s an abbreviated version of the word “sojourner;” and, a sojourner is, well, accordin’ to ol’ Webster: one who “stays around only temporarily.” A few synonyms could be “pilgrim,” “traveler,” “stranger,” “visitor,” “alien,” foreigner,” non-citizen,” non-resident,” or the like. But, you know what? It’s also what the CrossWind evangelists call themselves. And, they get their idea from the Scriptures.
Two texts, in particular, draw attention to a sojourner. The first is in Hebrews 11:13-16:
“. . .these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”
And, then we read in 1 Peter 2:11-12:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”
Dude, we claim no territory ’cause there ain’t none here that we want! Yeah, like ol’ Abe a few thousand years ago, we’re traveling to that better country – “a city with foundations, whose architect is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) Living “in tents” -bedrolls lashed to the ‘bars, saddlebags overflowin’, squintin’ through our shades as we head tow’rd that settin’ sun, mile-after-mile of asphault passin’ ‘neath our boots, alternatin’ betwixt freezin’ cold and steamin’ heat- we look forward to another place. And, as we keep on, keepin’ on, we live by faith in the God of the universe, the Great I AM Himself, Jesus Christ – YHWH!!!
Hey, ol’ George Strait sang a song a while back that captures the spirit of these “pilgrims” of the blacktop. We’ve adapted it a lil’ bit (note the underlining) for use here. It’s called, “Brothers of the Highway” (written by Doug Johnson, Nicole Witt, and Kim Williams):
“Diamonds on the windshield, as heaven starts to cry;
In his rearview mirror, his angel waves good-bye.
She knows he’s gotta go; she knows he’s one of them.
Brothers of the highway, children of the wind, that Milwaukee pirate ship, goes blowin’ out again. Sailin’ for the settin’ sun, freedom’s your best friend; brothers of the highway, children of the wind.
He rocks the throttle quick, tryin’ to outrun the rain;
Another shot of biker joe, goes runnin’ through his veins.
This country turns on two wheels and chrome, thank God for sojournin’ men.
Brothers of the highway, children of the wind, that Milwaukee pirate ship, goes blowin’ out again. Sailin’ for the settin’ sun, freedom’s your best friend; brothers of the highway, children of the wind.
Carolina, west of Denver, Baton Rouge, east of Pittsburgh;
North and south of San Diego; sail on, sail on.
Tallahassee, north of Boston, up to Bangor, west of Austin;
Coast to coast, sea to sea; sail on, sail on.
Brothers of the highway, children of the wind, that Milwaukee pirate ship, goes blowin’ out again. Sailin’ for the settin’ sun, freedom’s you best friend; brothers of the highway, children of the wind.”
So, wha’d'ya think? Ready to throw a leg over and join up with us? C’mon, dude; whatcha waitin’ fer!?!?!? It’ll be a whale of a ride! Yeah, man,pack your possibles’ bag, put on your leathers, grab a quick cup ‘o joe, and crank it up! Hey, we’re Brothers of the Son – jus’ a bunch of SoJos!!!
Love ya’ with the love of the Lord! With all due respect.
Copyright @ 2009 CrossWind Ministry
