Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20
Do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. Deut. 28:14
Lord Jesus, in recent months some Scriptures have moved from the “really-like” category, to the “totally-awesome.” I relate to Paul’s “eager waiting” for your return more than ever. Not primarily because I’m weary and selfish, and just want to be out of life’s messes.
Rather, the implications of your return fill me with so much peace, joy, and hope. We will see you as you really are, and we will be made like you (1 John 3:1-3). Everything broken will become all things beautiful. What more could we possibly want—for ourselves or anybody?
Until that Day, the temptation to find peace, elsewhere than in you, will persist. Our own version of the Siren’s promise to Ulysses of instant joy will grow increasingly intense. And since we’re hard-wired for hope, looking to “the right or to the left”—rather than upward, to our “citizenship in heaven,” will continue to be a deceiving option.
Among your earliest disciples were Pharisees, Essenes, Pagans, Zealots, Galileans, Sadducees, Herodians, Samaritans, Levites, and Publicans. None of their political, or anti-political, persuasions were “knighted” as the carrier for your Kingdom.
Everyone was given a new citizenship, Kingdom, and King. Jesus, until you return, make this increasingly real to us. You, alone, are our lasting peace, joy, and hope. So very Amen we pray, in your true and trustworthy name.