CITIZENSHIP IN HEAVEN
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21, ESV
Theme: Be assured: we have citizenship in heaven; our current concerns will not be the ultimate win or loss.
PASSING THROUGH
When I was in high school, I went on several overseas mission trips and even got to travel abroad for five weeks one summer. That trip was an amazing opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and be immersed in a new culture. While staying with a host family, I learned a lot about the country and culture. There were challenges that I prayed for and worked towards on later mission trips. Yet I never felt a true sense of dread or anxiety during my travels. Why? Because I knew I’d ultimately be returning home; my citizenship was somewhere else.
Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the church at Philippi – “our citizenship is in heaven.” Philippians 3 is all about obtaining righteousness through faith. He’s not saying we need to ignore the world and the issues we see, but rather offering a firm reminder that this is not our home. We don’t need to be weighed down by the worries of the world; we have someone much bigger, much greater who we belong to in heaven. We are even called “...fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19b, ESV)!
INCOMPLETE
It’s not always easy to keep our sense of belonging in perspective since we’re still living here on this earth. If you’re anything like me, it’s easier for me to get bogged down with today’s problems than to always keep an eternal perspective. Yes, Jesus came and defeated death but we are still waiting for the day when Christ will return and “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” We are citizens of a home we have not seen, and we all feel the tension in the waiting, the promise not yet fulfilled. Be encouraged that the promise you hope for will be fulfilled for you and many others – we are patient on their behalf! “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9, ESV).
Make it Personal: What temporary wins or losses are taking up too much space in your daily activities or thoughts? I challenge you to contemplate the passages in the “read” section below and allow them to shift your perspective.
Pray: God, thank You for allowing us the time to get to know and choose You. Sometimes I get impatient for heaven. I know my citizenship isn’t in this country only. Yet, sometimes I don’t want to deal with the problems that occur within it. Help me to love my neighbor, care for the needy, grow in character and knowledge of You, and be content as I continue to endure. Help me to remember Your Kingdom and to pray with Your Son, “Thy kingdom come,” until the last day when all Your promises come true. I believe You and love You. Amen.
Read: John 18:36-37, John 17:14-16, Ephesians 2:18-22, 2 Peter 3:4-10
Weekly Memory Verse: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:16-17, ESV