“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.” (Psalm 119:18-20 ESV)
Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery. She served several masters until she escaped to freedom in 1826. Shortly thereafter, she became a Christian. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth, because she felt called to go forth and speak truth. For the rest of her life, Sojourner Truth preached the gospel and spoke out against slavery, oppression, and inequality. As followers of Christ, we are all called to be truth speaking sojourners.
A ‘sojourner’ is a person who lives in a foreign land temporarily in order to be instructed. When we go to a foreign country, the immigration officials ask us the purpose of our visit. Most of us travel for vacation or business. On the contrary, sojourners live near different kinds of people in order to gain a new perspective. Speaking truth, especially when you are a foreigner, can be risky. Those who occupy positions of power do not like being challenged. Those who stand up against oppression, corruption, and injustice, especially if they are from a marginalized group, are often mistreated. Thus, truth speaking sojourners have to be brave and bold.
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