The Path to Real Citizenship
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 3:20-21
Most places in the world, citizenship is a big deal. Countries put up walls, border fences and walls to keep non-citizens out and sometimes even to keep citizens in. America has been one of those few places in the world that many people have longed to come to. Why would people want to leave their homeland for a foreign country and start over? Probably because of the promise of freedom.
The United States has without a doubt been the freest nation to ever exist. But, we wouldn’t be who we are were it not for immigrants who came to settle this land and who sacrificed to make it what it is today. However, for all the care and concern being given to the borders and immigration today, especially in American politics, there is a much freer nation we need to be reminded of – the Kingdom of Heaven.
Throughout the history of the church St. Paul’s words about our citizenship have been echoed to every nation, tribe and tongue. We dare not forget them today. If we are in Christ, we are foreigners in a strange land no matter where we live. Heaven is the home for which we are to long. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m proud to be American and I love my country, however, I love God and Heaven more.
To be in Christ Jesus is to be resurrected by His power in our spirits to live in a new dimension, a Heavenly dimension, even though our bodies still live here on Earth. Paul told the Philippians they need to “eagerly wait for the Savior”. It takes the power of the resurrection to long eagerly for our true homeland, and to hold the things of this earth loosely. As we continue our sojourn on Earth we must keep in mind, in the words of an old gospel song:
This world is not my home, I’m just passing through My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
So be careful how at home you feel here in whatever country you live, and remember, Christ is risen…and so are you!
Grace & Peace,
+Pastor Brad
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have grown too attached to this world and all that’s in it. Help me by your grace to long eagerly for Heaven and the day you transform my lowly body into your glory. Amen. Alleluia!
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