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Traveling internationally, even when there isn’t a worldwide pandemic, has a lot of rules and regulations. A passport is required for all travelers and the majority of countries around the world require an additional visa. This may be necessary even if you’re only planning to stay in that country for a few days. If anything goes wrong, there’s an Embassy with government officials that can help you get back to your home.
But one of the principles regularly communicated in the New Testament is that as followers of Christ, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. No matter our nationality, race, or other aspects of our heritage, we are all in Christ and citizens of the Kingdom of God. As you can guess, the implications of this would’ve been profound to those reading it for the first time. Those who trusted in Christ were invited to set aside their cultural biases and instead see themselves as part of the one family of God.
As members of the one family of God (Ephesians 2:19) we are invited to do the same. To see ourselves and all followers of Christ as citizens of heaven.
READING & PRAYERS:
EPHESIANS 2:19-22, PHILIPPIANS 3:20, 1 PETER 1:4, HEBREWS 13:14, 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
How would you explain to a friend what it means to be a citizen of heaven?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that just like everybody else, I can give in to the temptation to be part of my culture. Continue to help me live a life in which I am in this world even though I am not of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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