I was thinking about heaven and how when we have a relationship with Jesus heaven becomes our home. The bible says in fact that we become citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:19)
A citizen is a native of a city, or an inhabitant who enjoys the freedom and privileges of the city in which they reside. Which is why God encourages us to set our minds on heavenly things, because as I’ve discovered when we start thinking of ourselves as a citizen and having access to heaven our whole perspective changes. No longer do we need to think of ourselves as homeless, forgotten, enslaved, insignificant or lower than we ought. We belong to a Kingdom that is far greater and more powerful than anything comparable on earth. What’s more a citizen is someone who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country. As Citizens of heaven we have all the rights, benefits and protection that heaven lends to its people. We have the backing of the King of Heaven, protection of his angelic army and access to his resources, knowledge, wisdom and power.
Just as a citizen adopts the culture and practices of the nation or kingdom to which they belong the same is true for us when we realise where we have a citizenship in heaven and all the rights and privileges that pertains to. Instead of adopting the culture of the world Jesus says look up, set your mind and hearts on where you belong, where you have a home, a family and a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on. We don’t have to settle or think things cannot change, advance or get better. We have alot of “fire power” and divine favour and protection behind everything we do in heaven and on earth.
We have been given permanent residence in heaven now. That invitation and citizenship changes everything as we don’t have to wait until we die to see, perceive, experience and gain the perspective of heaven and how much impact heaven does and wants to have on earth. Jesus said, “I am the gate. Those who come in will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. and Jesus said, “all authority has been given me in heaven and on earth….” We are to see (perceive) from heaven and release heaven on earth. (Matthew 28:18; John 10:9)
God encourages us to come to him when we are weary, burdened or simply want to hang out. Where he is we are. The issue however often is that we can get pulled down in amongst the noise of this worldly dimension far too much and lose heavenly perspective. That’s when it pays to stop and remember who we are, who God is and where we truly come from and belong. (John 14:4). Jesus comforts all who know and follow Him with the words, “Let not your hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. You know the way to the place where I am going. (John 14:1-4)
“Since then you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.”(Colossians 3:1-3)
Today I encourage you to remember where and to whom you belong. All are welcome in heaven when we choose to follow Jesus. There is no hurdles to jump or debts to be paid. He’s done all that already. All that is required is a simple yes and an open door to our hearts as we choose heaven, his ways and all that it means be a citizen. Heaven is our home, or as Jewel the horse in the Last Battle by C.S. Lewis describes his homecoming…”I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now…Come further up, come further In!” Heaven is our home!
“Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”.(Ephesians 2:19)
“But our citizenship is in heaven”.. (Philippians 3:20)
Prayer: Lord thankyou that as I know you heaven becomes my home and I hold citizenship there with all its rights and privileges. Help me to remember I am a V.I.P in your Kingdom today. In Jesus name
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