But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified Body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.
Because we are citizens of heaven, we are especially able to be good citizens of any nation, and generous contributors to every economic system. We may do our best work within a democratic society, but we often thrive under oppressive regimes. Our first concern is to worship the Lord and celebrate his victory over sin and death. With that concern we can advocate the religious freedom and human dignity of every person. As Horton said upon encountering a Who, "A person's a person no matter how small."
And because our faith has seen four millennia and the rise and fall of many cities, nations, and empires, we share a deep concern about the future of our planet. We'll still be here when they are not.
As is my practice, I write this essay two weeks ahead of Tuesday, November 5, but I am reasonably sure that the decisions of that important day are still clouded by challenges, controversy, misunderstandings, and misinformation. We have prayed all our lives that we will not be led into temptation, and yet we are tempted and tested in the aftermath of November 5. Our citizenship, rights, and personal loyalty to democratic principles are on the line. They may be less clearly defined, and less reassuring than they were a week ago. The problem has become a crisis, and neither the crisis nor the problem will be resolved within our lifetimes.
And that is why we remember that we are citizens of heaven. But the end is not near; barring a thermonuclear war, human history will not reach its terminus on this planet very soon. We still have a serious responsibility to know what's going on, to participate in it, and to make our prophetic presence felt. We do not expect Saint Paul's vision of teletransport into the clouds of heaven (nor did he write about it more than once.) If our neighbors are arming themselves and digging in for a long-term civil war, they must notice that we still worship the Lord in our churches and homes; we still plan peaceful gatherings of family and friends; and we still speak of conciliation. We not stop exploring avenues to peace in a wilderness of polarized conflict.
The world needs us more than ever, and we need our faith more than ever.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. (Philippians 4:1)
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.