CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 15 of 24
A CURRENT REWARD IN HEAVEN

Prior to the enthronement of the Lord Jesus, the "exceeding great and precious promises" of God were only seen "afar off." As it is written, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb 11:13). A day of blessing was promised, but not actually enjoyed prior to Jesus (Gen 49:10; Deut 18:15; Isa 12:3; 32:1-5; 42:1-3; 53:1-12; 61:1-6; Ezek 18:31; 36:26).

It is tragic that much of the teaching that parades itself as Christian is still from the Old Covenant point of view. This is "the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2; Isa 49:8)--a day in which the promises are being received! Salvation has brought contemporary blessing, praise the Lord! The Savior is no longer anticipated, as in prior days, but is now being "received" (John 1:12).

Preparing His followers for the reaction of the world to them, Jesus spoke of persecution and reward. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great IS your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matt 5:12). Remember, we ARE citizens of heaven! That is our present situation! The opposition of men must be viewed within this perspective.

The world's rejection to and persecution of believers is evidence they are citizens of heaven! Note carefully how Jesus states the case. He does NOT say "great SHALL BE your reward in heaven," but "great IS your reward . . . " Herein is a most marvelous aspect of our heavenly citizenship. From one viewpoint, persecution and opposition occur because of the clash of heavenly life with that of the earth. However, that is not the focus of this pronouncement of our Lord.

Remember, the Kingdom of God is driven by objective, or Divine purpose. For example, Jesus gave up His life because of heavenly intent. That is WHY He died--it was not just because He was rejected. Peter highlighted this on the day of Pentecost. "This Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death" (Acts 2:23). What occurred to Jesus was the result of a predetermined plan. Those killing Him were guilty of rejecting Him, and needed to repent. However, Divine purpose was behind it all.

Your suffering is much the same way. It not only reveals a clash between you and the world, it also accentuates that you presently have a reward "in heaven." That does sweeten the cup we have been given to drink.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I ask You to help me ponder my reward in heaven. I thank You that it is real.

-- Tomorrow: SUFFERING AND HEAVENLY REWARDS --