Look with Eager Longing

Scripture: Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Insights: Today’s verse is a review of verses eleven and fourteen from this same chapter.  They read, “in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” and “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  All of these verses pertain to our citizenship and future home in heaven.  Historically speaking, when a person purchased, or was set free to become, or was born into citizenship of Rome, their names were written down and registered on the legal records.  We also, as children of God, when we became born again, we had our names written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life and our citizenship became heaven.  As citizens of heaven we get to experience all of its privileges.  Now, I do want to emphasize a major difference between earth-bond Roman citizenship and heaven-bond citizenship in Christ.  Heaven’s citizenship is not something one can purchase, earn or deserve.  Heaven’s citizenship is also not passed on from one generation to the next.  In other words, just because your parents were born again Christ-followers, does not mean you are a born again Christ-follower.  Each individual must receive the free gift of salvation that Christ Jesus offers.  There is no other name by which one must be born again.  Yesterday, I mentioned Judaizers and traditional followers.  Let me make an observation between their view on life and a Christian’s view on life.  Judaizers and traditional followers are looking to the past for their hope, but we are told in this verse to look ahead and eagerly wait for our Savior Jesus Christ to return.  Warren Wiersbe does a great job in his commentary to help us understand this future hope.  He wrote, “There is tremendous energy in the present power of a future hope.  Because Abraham looked for a city, he was content to live in a tent (Heb. 11:13-16).  Because Moses looked for the rewards of heaven, he was willing to forsake the treasures of earth (Heb. 11:24-26).  Because of the ‘joy that was set before Him’ (Heb. 12:2), Jesus was willing to endure the cross.  The fact that Jesus Christ is returning is a powerful motive for dedicated living and devoted service today.”  Beloved, because of our redeemed state, let us live boldly in the present as we eagerly look forward to our future.  What a great joy we will experience when we enter into our eternal home.  Glory to God in the highest!

Questions:

1. Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?
2. Do you live each day with the eager anticipation of Christ Jesus’ return?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me and giving to me eternal life.  I look forward with great joy at Your return for Your Bride and the restoration of all creation.  Come quickly Lord Jesus, Amen.