Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, English Standard Version (ESV)
Yesterday we brought my granddaughter Ava and her little friend Jude to watch the Burlington NC Christmas parade. While waiting for it we set up along the sidewalk and there was a 3 foot high brick retaining wall behind us. Jude (3 yrs old) had fun playing in the leaves on the lawn behind it. I then asked him to jump from the wall and I would catch him. He did and we did it many times and from slightly greater distances. Then I asked Ava (2 1/2 yrs old) if she wanted to try. She was more hesitant, but because she had seen Jude do it she jumped into Gramps arms. They both did it several more times, a few times in unison. They did so because they trusted "Gramps".
Earlier in the morning Jean and I had received the news that a dear friend of our family had gone to be with the Lord. The two things came together for me and brought my mind to the old hymn "Only Trust Him". Toddlers and little children must learn to trust in their parents and other adults, that they can jump into there arms, that they can prevent them from the pain of a fall. As we age and face the end of our lives at some point, we too must trust the we have someone there to catch us in His arms and deliver us safely into His presence.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed, there's mercy with the Lord; and he will surely give you rest, by trusting in his Word. Refrain: Only trust him, only trust him, only trust him now. He will save you, he will save you, he will save you now.
For Jesus shed his precious blood rich blessings to bestow; plunge now into the crimson flood that washes bright as snow.
Yes, Jesus is the truth the way that leads you into rest; believe in him without delay, and you are fully blest. Come then and join this holy band, and on to glory go, to dwell in that celestial land where joys immortal flow.
In today's verse Paul encourages, us, reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. We need not fear death, Jesus has made the leap, He has gone before us and will lead us one day to our Father in Heaven.
Today's verse was featured in Moody's "Today in the Word" devotional where we read, " Paul urged believers to set their minds on heaven, where our true citizenship is. When we get to glory, we will be transformed. Our bodies will not be subject to the effects of sin. Our physical ailments will be gone and suffering will disappear. We will go from this humble state into a glorious one."
While we will miss Jake and loved ones that have passed, we are to press on here, looking forward to that day when we will be reunited with those who have gone before us to where our true citizenship is.
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Philippians 3:19-21The Message (MSG)
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
No comments:
Post a Comment