« THE BUZZ AT ZION | Main | THE BUZZ AT ZION »
July 01, 2008
In Pastor's Words
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
In a highly charged political year like this one, citizenship and the right to vote seem to be elevated to new levels of importance in these troubling times. We consider our citizenship in the United States to be one of our most valued privileges. But what does citizenship mean to you? Guaranteed voting rights? Free expression? Honor of President and flag? Possessing the American dream?
Despite the recent soaring costs of goods and services, the social and political challenges that tend to divide us, and the moral laxity that needs a 180 degree correction, we all consider it a tremendous privilege to be part of the United States. We honor those of our families, neighbors and countrymen and women who have served to defend our freedoms. They are, indeed, national treasures we appreciate and cherish. Despite our shortcomings, the prevailing opinion is that we still have one of the best systems of government on earth. We still have ten amendments to the Constitution called the “Bill of Rights” which give us citizenship rights enjoyed by no other people on earth. Originally consisting of 12 amendments, but later reduced to 10, the Bill of Rights contain basic fundamental rights and freedoms for every American citizen in the first 8, with the last 2 forbidding Congress to adopt laws which would violate these rights. The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” The Bill of Rights, therefore, makes the boundaries of our American citizenship clear.
Christians have dual citizenship: citizenship on earth and citizenship in heaven. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that the people of God in Old Testament times were looking beyond temporary earthly citizenship to obtain a permanent citizenship in heaven. Speaking of Abraham, the writer explains, “for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). The writer, speaking of people of faith, further states, “they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). While we should be tireless in our efforts to make our temporary earthly home as enjoyable and beautiful as possible, we need to be prepared for a departure from here at a time of God’s own choosing. To the Christian, Jesus stresses, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Paul emphasizes, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).
Enjoy your 4th of July weekend as you contemplate the great blessings of American citizenship and our even greater blessing of knowing that “our citizenship is in heaven.” And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20,21).
Pastor Ralph Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at July 1, 2008 11:28 AM