Citizens of Heaven

Jane Denniston March 18, 2019 0 0

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Philippians 3:17-4:1

17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

4 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

What does it mean to be citizens of heaven as we go about our daily lives in our own neighbourhood? How should we engage with those of our neighbours who are not in our Church community? What can we do to persuade them that to set their hearts on earthly things ultimately leads to disappointment, and only in seeking Jesus and his way lies true happiness and fulfilment? Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul weeps for those who have their minds and hearts set on the things of this earth. Do we weep for them also? If Jesus has the power to transform our bodies to be like his body, he can also transform our hearts to have his compassion for others. 

Loving Lord, 

You are full of compassion,

and our hearts are cold by comparison.

You love your whole creation,

and weep for those who turn from you,

yet too often we ignore that there are many

who still do not know the depth of your love for them.

Your hands ache to hold and to heal,

while ours are too often busy only with our own concerns.

Your ears hear the cries of the poor, the hungry,

the disposed, the oppressed,

while ours too often hear only

the advertising jingle, 

encouraging us to satisfy our own desires.

Your eyes see need, 

where ours too often see inconvenience.

Help us to behave more truly as citizens of heaven

Looking out for opportunities 

To show your love and care

To those in need.

Amen.