Our Hope!

Scripture: Philippians 3:20–21

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (NIV)

It is amazing to think we are only passing through a temporary world, knowing the real world awaits us when our “time bubble” breaks, thrusting us into the eternal paradigm. We have the assurance that our citizenship is in heaven and that is where we are heading. In the meantime, we have the prospect of Jesus Christ returning at any moment.

This is truly a blessed hope! How encouraging to know that we will be freed from the foolishness of the wisdom and rulers of this age.

I can hardly wait, in God’s timing, to receive a glorified body like the glorified body of Jesus Christ. This body will be beyond anything you and I can think or imagine. “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:43, NIV)

In the flesh we cannot even look at the sun without special glasses that protect our eyes.

In the meantime, we are to be busy in the part of God’s vineyard where he has placed us. We want to make sure we use our 3 Ts wisely with an eternal perspective in mind.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” (Titus 2:11–15, NIV)

We know there is more to life than the best that this world can offer. It is all going to perish. Truly we are in a desert wasteland from a spiritual standpoint. David expressed the same, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:1–2, NIV)

It will not be very long, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20, NIV)

Today, ask yourself:

Am I living life anticipating that Jesus Christ could return at any time? What must I do to bring my life into conformance with his will today?

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