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 20 of 24

HEAVEN KNOWS US

We must elaborate more upon this grand theme! God's people need to hear more about their association with heaven! Their experience in this world is fraught with difficulties and hardships. Like their Lord, they are restrained while here (Luke 12:50). It is refreshing for them to hear of their real country--their homeland!

Midway in His ministry, Jesus "appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come" (Lk 10:1, NASB). He reminded them that the harvest was "plentiful," but the laborers "were few." With a passion for lost humanity, He admonished them to "beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). They were going out as "lambs" in the midst of ravenous "wolves," but He would make them adequate for the challenges of the occasion.

The Word of the Lord informs us of the return of the "seventy." They were ecstatic with joy at their success. In a burst of enthusiasm they cried, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Jesus informed them He was "watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning." Their success was not owing to any power inherent in them! They had not been rewarded, so to speak, for meritorious efforts! Rather, Jesus Himself had given them "authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy . . . " (Luke 10:18-19).

However, He did not end the matter there. He lifted their thinking higher, providing a heavenly perspective. "Notwithstanding in this REJOICE NOT, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). The world of darkness had recognized their power, but that was nothing compared to heaven recognizing their persons! On one occasion, an "evil spirit" spoke of its knowledge of both Jesus and Paul (Acts 19:15). That is certainly a marvelous!

I wonder how many people in your area are known and recognized by the region of darkness? Yet, to be known by the "powers of darkness" is not a condition to be coveted! Jesus said knowing our names are written in heaven takes precedence over being known and respected by Satanic hosts! Better to know where your citizenship is, than to enjoy even epochal triumph over the wicked one and his hosts. That does not demean triumph over the powers of darkness, but puts the exclamation where God wants it--in heaven!

During Malachi's day, Judaism had degenerated to unspeakable depths. The times were not at all commendable. The altar of the Lord was being polluted with unacceptable offerings (Mal 1:7-8). The name of the Lord was profaned by His own people, and they also caused it to be desecrated among the Gentiles (1:11-12). They even robbed God of tithes and offerings, consuming them on their own lusts (Mal 3:8). Yet, in the very midst of those circumstances, "they that feared the LORD spake often one to another." Heaven responded to their faithfulness. "And the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels" (3:16-17). That is something of what is involved in having your name written in heaven.

The Spirit reminds us that we have come into an assembly whose names are "written" or "enrolled in heaven" (Heb 12:23). That is another way of saying we are known by heaven, or favorably recognized by that realm. See, we are "citizens of heaven," known and recognized by the eternal realm! Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I long to be more fully aware of my name being written in heaven. In the name of Jesus, I ask that you enlarge me vision, and sharper my insight to see more of my heavenly citizenship.

-- Tomorrow: OUR HOPE IS IN HEAVEN --