The Greatest Gifts預覽

THE GIFT OF BEING A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN

What is the next gift God has for us? Citizenship in Heaven!

Are you someone who has moved around a bunch in your life? I am. I have lived at 27 different addresses, and I didn’t grow up in a military family. My average is just under two-and-a-half years per address. So, let me tell you, I am so thankful for the gift of being a citizen of heaven.

“This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone.” (Ephesians 2:19, MSG).

A few summers ago, the New York Times ran a list of word phrases that are considered “The Happiest Words in the English Language.” They include:

• “You’ve been upgraded to first class!”
• “Have you lost weight?”
• “It’s benign.”
• “Let me help you.”
• “I love you.”

When a police officer says: “Be a little more careful next time. Have a nice day.”

And then there is this one …

“In the Spring of 1971, the announcement from the cockpit of a United Airlines plane, as it was rolling into position for takeoff from Vietnam to San Francisco. There were about 250 military personnel on board. ‘The tower has already cleared us for takeoff. Let’s go home.’”

“Welcome Home.”

Jesus has these comforting words for us:

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.” (John 14:1-2, NCV).

The context is similar to that of a groom in the ancient days who proposes to his bride-to-be, then returns to his family’s home. He builds an addition to that house -- a room for himself and his new bride. And when the construction of the room is completed, and he receives his father's blessing, he returns to get his bride, and they are married and return to the new home he just built for their new family.

It is the same for us. Isn’t it great to know that we will always be welcomed by Jesus in heaven, no matter our wanderings, failures, or successes? That is such a great gift!

So open your arms and receive this homecoming gift this Advent, the gift of citizenship in heaven.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for the precious gift of knowing that you have prepared a place for me to call home in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.