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 18 of 24

HEAVENLY INSIGHTS

Citizens of heaven receive insights from heaven! That is the manner of the kingdom. The classic example of this is found in the good confession of Simon Peter. What he perceived on the coasts of Caesarea Philippi may appear common to many, but it was not! That day he saw the truth about Jesus.

You may recall, Jesus had asked His disciples what men were saying about Him. "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" Being aware of the general perceptions of Jesus, the disciples answered, "Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." The people certainly did not compare Jesus with any of their contemporaries! John the Baptist was dead, having been beheaded by Herod. However, Jesus was not content with their answer. He further asked, "But whom say ye that I am?" (Matt 16:13-15).

Peter was the first to speak, and his answer was insightful and brought glory to God. "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt 16:16). One might imagine this to be the result of Peter's solemn reflection upon the sayings of Jesus, or the pondering of His mighty deeds. While these things were no doubt true, they were not what led Peter to this conclusion.

Jesus explained his insight with precision and clarity. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matt 16:17). Peter's confession was not the result of an academic conclusion. Nor, indeed, had he been taught this by other men. His confession was an indication he had been "blessed" with some understanding from above.

What Peter saw was NOT revealed to him "by man" (NIV). He did not learn it in school. It was not the result of being catechized. A learning discipline did not lead him to the conclusion. Jesus makes it plain, let all receive it! The revelation came "from heaven," and it came to a "citizen of heaven." This is the manner of the kingdom. After all, Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father" (Matt 11:27). How fitting, therefore, that Jesus confirmed the Source of Peter's understanding: "My Father which is in heaven!"

When God revealed the Law to Israel, He told Moses to tell the people, "You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven" (Ex 22). Daniel received his insight "from heaven" (Dan 2:19). The things of God are revealed to "babes" from heaven, while they are hidden from the "wise and prudent" of the earth (Matt 11:25). When the Gospel was preached, it was "through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Pet 1:12, NKJV). The saints are solemnly admonished, "See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven" (Heb 12:25, NKJV).

Such understanding has always been sought by men of faith. Solomon prayed, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people" (1 Kgs 3:9). David prayed, "Give me understanding" (Psa 119:34,73,125,144,169). Paul wrote to Timothy, "Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things" (2 Tim 2:7).

When someone comprehends the "mysteries of the kingdom," it is because they have been "given" from heaven to do so. "And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God" (Mk 4:11; Lk 8:10). This is your inheritance as citizens of heaven!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for not leaving us in a condition where we are confined to the empty wells of men's wisdom. Thank You for the wisdom that comes from above!

-- Tomorrow: WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? --