Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Have you ever traveled out of the country? I’ve had the great honor and privilege of going on four missions trips, outside the U.S., since being in ministry; three times to India (with a stop in Nepal) and once to Mexico. With each returning trip, I had to go through customs to be allowed back into the country. Each time I approached the custom’s officer, I had to show him my U.S. Passport, which rightly identified me as a U.S. citizen. After the officer’s examination and approval of my passport, he stamped it and let me back into my country.
Words cannot express how excited I have been, standing in that line, especially when the airport was in my hometown. Usually, by the time I arrived, I’d been up all night (flying over 15 hours); and, I know, in the pick up lane waiting for me is my wife and kids. When I finally get through customs, get my bags and see them, for the first time joy fills my heart because I know I am finally home.
In the same way, Paul gives every Christian, in the above verse, the same hope, not for an earthly country, but a hope of heavenly citizenship. Paul boldly declared that a Christian’s citizenship is in heaven.
Can you imagine what that homecoming day will be like… when for the first time, the angels verify your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life and you are welcomed into the presence of God?
It will be so utterly amazing that whatever you have faced in this life will disappear in the light of God’s love and grace. Charles Spurgeon said, “There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.”
I pray that you will be encouraged, today, knowing you have God’s promise to one day be in heaven with Jesus. Whenever you face “traveling trials,” don’t give up because you’re just passing through to your real home with God in heaven!
REFLECTION
Have you thought about your home in heaven lately?
ACTION
- Meditate on what it will be like the day you meet Jesus face-to-face for the first time.
- Encourage yourself, today, by considering your hardships in life mere “travel trials.”
- Invite someone new to go to heaven with you. There is always room for more!
