During one of Sean’s recent sermons I was reminded that Mary and Joseph were following a government directive which required that they be in Bethlehem for a census when Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-6). It brought me to our current times when many leaders have asked us to live and act abnormally to what we would usually do when not in a pandemic. We are blessed to live in a time and in a country where we can live out our Christian faith without many, if any, obstacles.
I believe we are certainly called (to) civic involvement, even duty, but our true calling is higher. Our faith and our calling goes beyond flawed humans and structures to the Maker and Creator of us all. The scriptures do not describe Jesus and his followers attending government rallies or protesting policies. Jesus and his followers healed the sick, fed the poor and loved their neighbors. While existing in their society and giving “to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21) the early Christians focused on Jesus and His perfect pathway.
Citizenship on earth is based on where we are born or are able to live. Citizenship in God’s realm is eternal and available to all. Thank you God for sending your Son to invite us to always be with You. Help us to live our lives most fully through You, Your Son and Your guiding Spirit.
by Tim Everly
