20 Dec January 7th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN – Part I

Philippians 3:18-20 “ . . .  many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.”

In 1 Peter Christians, while living in this world, are called “aliens and strangers”.  In Hebrews 11:14 its says that the Old Testament patriarchs lived their lives “ . . . admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”  And then the next verse says, ^“People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.”  And today’s devotional verse, addressing mature Christians says, “. . . our citizenship is in heaven.”

The Holy Scriptures consistently say to believers in the Triune God, as is the case in Ephesians 2:19-20 “. . . you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.”

The Holy Spirit inspired St. Peter to write, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:3-6)

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 addresses the fact that your earthly life is temporary, “For (you) know that if the earthly tent (you) live in is destroyed, (you) have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile (you) groan, longing to be clothed instead with (your) heavenly dwelling, because when (you) are clothed, (you) will not be found naked.”  Jesus has promised to prepare this heavenly dwelling for you, “I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I am ready.  Come quickly!  Amen.

In the very midst of life Snares of death surround us;

Who shall help us in the strife Lest the foe confound us?

Thou only, Lord, Thou only! We mourn that we have greatly erred,

That our sins Thy wrath have stirred.  Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God! Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God! Safe us lest we perish

In the bitter pangs of death. Have mercy, O Lord!

In the midst of death’s dark vale Pow’rs of hell o’ertake us.

Who will help when they assail, Who secure will make us?

Thou only, Lord, Thou only! Thy heart is moved with tenderness,

Pities us in our distress.  Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God! Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God! Save us from the terror

Of the fiery pit of hell. Have mercy, O Lord!

In the midst of utter woe When our sins oppress us,

Where shall we for refuge go, Where for grace to bless us?

To Thee, Lord Jesus, only! Thy precious blood was shed to win

Full atonement for our sins.  Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God! Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God! Lord, preserve and keep us

In the peace that faith can give. Have mercy, O Lord!

(LSB 755)