“You are the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” (Matt.5:13,14). “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Eph.4:31).
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” (Matt.13:33). We look “forward to the City whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10)
Lord Jesus, I pray and write today, first and foremost, as someone who belongs to you. Secondly, as someone who happens to have an American citizenship and passport. But the things you have put on my heart today would be just as true if I was a citizen of Russia or Israel, Ukraine or China, or Ireland or Scotland.
I humble myself before you in acknowledging you have never had two favorite nations—Israel and America. You have always been an every-nation Savior and Lord. One glorious Day we will join your pan-national Bride as we joyously stream into the New Jerusalem together (Rev.7:9-17), and begin perfect, eternal, joyful life in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.21:1-22:6). Hallelujah, and thank you!
Whatever our national identity, and no matter how many passports we own, first and foremost, we belong to you, Jesus. You have called us to live and love in very distinctive ways, wherever you have placed us. Help us Jesus, free us, focus us.
We are to live as… Salt and light—not habanero sauce and flame throwers; not as artificial sweeteners and window dressing; not as an angry political party, but as a robust Gospel-party. Jesus, bring your redemptive presence, kingdom kindness, and heavenly humility through us. To know, love, and follow you Jesus is to live as foot washers, not scepter grabbers; as beauty revealers, not revenge takers; as grace yeast, not pride fertilizer. Grant it, Jesus, for your glory. So Very Amen.
