From Pastor Treurnicht’s Pen – May 2025

Should I become a refugee in the United States of America? This is probably a thought that has crossed the minds of our Afrikaans congregants. The recent invitation by President Trump for South Africans to seek refuge in the USA seems like an appealing opportunity. It’s estimated that close to 70,000 people had already applied for this program previously. Adding to this is the possibility of these South Africans maintaining their South African citizenship while living as expatriates in the USA—essentially getting the best of both worlds.

On the other hand, many Afrikaner organisations have taken a strong stance against this offer, declaring, “We’re going nowhere.” They are committed to staying in South Africa and addressing the challenges here. It’s fascinating to see these two contrasting reactions unfold.

On a lighter note, the Rugby World Cup will be held in the USA in 2031. Currently, the USA is ranked 15th in the world, while South Africa holds the number one spot. Could there be a hidden agenda here? A silly little joke, of course!

All of this reminds me of the way the New Testament describes Christians as foreigners and sojourners in this world. While the word refugee is not explicitly used, the same concept is found throughout Paul’s epistles and the letter to the Hebrews. Is there a connection between this and the present situation?

One thing many might not realise is that being part of the early church in the Roman Empire had profound political implications. Even the simple act of calling Jesus Kurios (Lord) was controversial. This term was reserved exclusively for the emperor and using it for Jesus was a direct challenge to Roman authority. For early Christians, declaring that they lived under the Roman Empire but that their true citizenship was in heaven was more than a theological statement—it was a political and dangerous one. Many were persecuted for this belief, yet they held onto it with unwavering faith. Of course, not all early Christians remained steadfast in this conviction. Some tried to maintain dual allegiances, balancing loyalty to Rome with their faith in Christ. This led Paul and the other apostles to remind believers that what the empire offered was fleeting compared to the eternal promises of God.

Philippians 3:20 states, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse contains two striking declarations. First, Paul uses the word Kurios for Jesus, reinforcing the bold confession that only Christ—not the emperor—is Lord.

Second, by calling Jesus the Saviour, Paul directly contradicts the Roman claim that the empire itself was the source of peace and security. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was not a freely given gift but a politically enforced order. It was a tool of control, convincing people that life within the empire was preferable to life outside of it.

Now, let’s compare this to the peace that the early church embraced. This peace was not imposed by military might but given through the work of the Holy Spirit. It was not temporary or politically motivated but eternal and deeply transformative. It declared that, even if the world fell apart, believers were secure in the love of their Kurios.

2 Corinthians 5:1-2 reminds us, “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Let’s reflect on this truth in a world that often seems to be falling apart. We are all aware of the troubles around us. Two wars currently bring suffering to millions. Persecution is on the rise, forcing many to flee their homes. Here in South Africa, political and economic instability continue to grow, while crime and poverty seem ever-present.

And yet, I am grateful.

I am grateful that the grace of our Kurios has been poured out upon humankind. I am grateful that the love of the Father is true for all. I am grateful that the Spirit binds us together—not as citizens of a country, but as eternal brothers and sisters in faith. This truth brings peace to my heart.

May you, in this time of uncertainty, find peace in the one true Lord. And as tempting as the promises of an easier life may seem, may you remain steadfast in Him.

For His grace, His love, and His fellowship are more than we could ever need.