BELONGING

Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV)

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision" -- a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands -- remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

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You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.
- Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)
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RECENTLY I renewed my passport, which required filling out detailed forms. As I looked through the pages of the old passport and saw the names of the countries I had visited, I was pleasantly reminded of rich times of fellowship.

I still visit these countries when I am praying. My mind travels the world from east to west as I pray for friends in Pakistan, India, and Canada. For this travel, neither passport nor visa is required. Prayer is a wonderful privilege.

There is another journey believers take that requires no earthly passport. In God's kingdom, no one is a stranger or foreigner. Each person is a fellow citizen and member of the same household, regardless of their earthly birthplace.

Whatever our earthly nationality, we can choose citizenship in this country through Jesus Christ who has reconciled us to God through his death and resurrection. No complicated forms wait to be completed. To become a citizen of this eternal country requires only faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God of all humanity, teach us to encourage and love one another as we journey through life. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God offers each of us citizenship in heaven.

-- Thelma Robinson (Nottinghamshire, England)

PRAYER FOCUS: Refugees