Susan and I enjoy visiting the various U.S. Presidential Libraries. Last March we were able to visit Harry Truman’s and Dwight Eisenhower’s on the same day. We learned that Truman and Eisenhower understood that the President of the United States should be the model American citizen. The U.S. President should personally set an example of what is right and good in our country. This notion struck me as simple, yet profound.
If we are citizens of the kingdom of God what are valid indicators of our citizenship? The most comprehensive list that speaks about kingdom citizenship is found in Hebrew 11. Let’s consider these examples from the Bible “Hall of Fame” and the attributes that distinguish them. (Please take the time to read the entire chapter and reflect on the details that cannot be contained in this short article.)
Faith
As good Bible students, we know that faith is the hallmark characteristic.
Faith as trusting in God beyond our circumstances and challenges.
Faith as demonstrated by believing in a God who can do immeasurably more than can be conceived or imagined.
Faith as assurance and conviction.
Faith as the rock-solid certainty that he who has begun a good work will complete it.
Living as pilgrims and strangers in this world
Setting our eyes on Jesus and his kingdom, “a better country,” is how we walk the same path as those who have gone before. This is in keeping with the words of Jesus when he told the original disciples to be in the world, but not of the world.
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 NRSVA
No matter what we give up in this life or what suffering comes our way, knowing that we are in union with Jesus and included in his eternal kingdom is more than enough.
Whether leaving the comfort of our physical homes and dwelling in tents.
Whether waiting on God and trusting for the conception of a child.
Whether thrown into a cage with lions or a consuming fire and not knowing if we come out alive.
Identity with Christ and the community of the great cloud of witnesses
Because of what we read in Hebrews 11, we move higher in our spiritual comprehension to the connecting thoughts of chapter 12.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
No person in the Faith Chapter endured more or suffered more than Jesus himself, a perspective that brings clarity and evokes worship. Just as the people of faith looked to Jesus for rescuing from sin and the weights of this life, we join them in the race we are now running. It is a beautiful image to think about the amazing company of pioneer believers who have gone before us, and the leader of the parade is Jesus.
The bottom line is that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of this race. He has run the race in our stead and put up with everything along the way. All the people of faith who have run the race could only do it one way — by their union with Jesus, following in his steps, their eyes fixed on him.
As kingdom citizens in the 21st century, we don’t know what we may be called upon to do, nor do we know what suffering or persecution may come our way. But we do know that Jesus is with us every step, and there is a city prepared by God for our eternal home.
Resting in the Author’s finished work, Greg
11 thoughts on “Kingdom Citizenship”
Thank you Dr for this thought provoking, spirit moving message! True! I love it!
Thank you for your truth filled, inspiring words.
Thank you for the reminder, well said Greg.
Thank you Greg! Will share!
Oh how much I like the “simple and profound” idea that the U.S. President (or any president, prime minister, leader…) “should personally set an example of what is right and good in our country.” How far away are we today from this ideal in so many countries. Some leaders are top champions in this area. And they get support from so many people. Better be strangers indeed in this post-truth era, post-common sense era. Deliver us oh God.
Thank you, Greg. Faith is definiitely important, but let’s not forget I Cor. 13:2.
Glory to God
I remember getting a glimpse of “Ike” Eisenhower when he visited the Philippines in the early 60s. I was a very young boy then (being 71 now) and my first memory of a live US President. For me it was an awesome site. Hope to see another one. But to see King Jesus would be better, wouldn’t it:?
In a time like this, where is our Bonhoeffer?
Glory to God
Thank you , I so enjoyed about the kingdom. I’m been a member since 1989 , because of age and painful RA and COPD I’ve been unable to attend church lately so thank you it was beautiful.
Thank you Dr for this thought provoking, spirit moving message! True! I love it!
Thank you for your truth filled, inspiring words.
Thank you for the reminder, well said Greg.
Thank you Greg! Will share!
Oh how much I like the “simple and profound” idea that the U.S. President (or any president, prime minister, leader…) “should personally set an example of what is right and good in our country.” How far away are we today from this ideal in so many countries. Some leaders are top champions in this area. And they get support from so many people. Better be strangers indeed in this post-truth era, post-common sense era. Deliver us oh God.
Thank you, Greg. Faith is definiitely important, but let’s not forget I Cor. 13:2.
Glory to God
I remember getting a glimpse of “Ike” Eisenhower when he visited the Philippines in the early 60s. I was a very young boy then (being 71 now) and my first memory of a live US President. For me it was an awesome site. Hope to see another one. But to see King Jesus would be better, wouldn’t it:?
In a time like this, where is our Bonhoeffer?
Glory to God
Thank you , I so enjoyed about the kingdom. I’m been a member since 1989 , because of age and painful RA and COPD I’ve been unable to attend church lately so thank you it was beautiful.