Tomorrow, our country celebrates its 249th birthday since the Declaration of Independence. This holiday invites us to reflect on the history and complexity of our earthly citizenship.
This morning, I was reminded of Philippians 3:20, which tells us that while we all have a nationality tied to a particular place on the globe, those who are in Christ have a greater homeland—one that demands our ultimate allegiance: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Whether we are American citizens or citizens of another nation, those who belong to Christ ultimately hold a heavenly citizenship. We belong to the King of Heaven as His people.Remember: geography shapes identity. Many rivers flow into the stream of who we are, including the places we come from. But where do we learn how to live as citizens of the heavenly kingdom?
Scripture, of course, plays a vital role in shaping our identity. When it comes to our heavenly citizenship, Scripture serves as our pocket guide, giving us the knowledge and wisdom we need to live faithfully in light of our true homeland.Surely, a central section of that guide would be Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. I remain grateful—and amazed—that in His kindness, God has preserved for us Jesus’ longest recorded sermon. In it, we see not only what it means to relate rightly to the King, but also the social dynamics of life together as citizens of His kingdom. Citizenship in the kingdom means rightly relating to the King, and also rightly relating to our fellow citizens.
This Sunday, Lord willing, we’ll continue in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as we look at the fourth example of the “greater righteousness” that characterizes those whose citizenship is in heaven. This one pertains to our words to one another. What I hope we’ll see is this: Jesus’ people—citizens of the kingdom—speak to each other with such honesty and integrity that no oaths are needed. You can take their word to the bank!
Meditate on Matthew 5:33–37 as we prepare to gather for worship on Sunday. And as you reflect on Jesus’ words, pray that His Spirit would meet us and continue to teach us as we sit at the feet of our Teacher and hear the most excellent sermon ever given.
Pastor Lew