Matthew 25:31-46
This month most Americans are celebrating the founding of our country. Flags are flying, families are gathering, and fireworks fill the night sky. We do this to show appreciation for our American citizenship and to honor those who sacrificed to provide our freedoms. However, there is a citizenship that transcends all national boundaries.
No matter where you live right now, if you believe in Christ, then you and I are fellow citizens of the kingdom of God. The word kingdom denotes royal power or dominion over a specific region or people. Therefore, the kingdom of God refers to the Lord’s complete rule and authority. While He certainly reigns in the hearts of His devoted followers here on earth, we must not forget the term also refers to His sovereignty in heaven.
Jesus is currently seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, but today’s passage points to a time when He will return to earth to sit on His glorious throne and reign over the entire world. He will vanquish all His enemies, remove the wicked from the earth, and welcome the righteous into His glorious kingdom. And as kingdom citizens, you and I will rule together with Him (Revelation 3:21).
Certainly nations and nationalities are important, but they are not eternal. All those who belong to Christ are first and foremost citizens of His kingdom. This means that all the geographical borders and barriers that separate us have been removed in Christ, and we are all one in Him. When we worship, we should see one another as fellow citizens in God’s realm.