Month: May 2023

“Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.” Joshua 4:9

This may seem like a strange verse to spend our time looking into, but let’s take a moment to get some context. Moses had led the Israelites out of slavery, through the Red Sea on dry ground, and then they wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience. Now that generation had all died out and the next generation was ready to enter the promised land. So God commanded the priests who were carrying the ark to enter the Jordan River. As soon as they did, the river was stopped so the people could cross on dry ground, just as their parents had done at the Red Sea. After everyone had crossed, God had them take 12 stones from the river to build an altar as a remembrance of what God had done for them.

Why would God ask them to do that? Did He just want to make sure there was an altar built to Him? Maybe He was afraid they would forget to worship Him unless they had an altar they could see. I don’t think that’s it at all. I don’t think His reasons had anything to do with Him. I think it was because He knows how quickly we forget. In fact, I’m often amazed at what a short memory I have! God does something amazing and I think I’m going to remember it forever. But I don’t. Very quickly, I’m right back to doubting and trying to take back control. God knew that the Israelites were going to need this reminder of what He had done for them.

I have two questions for you. First, what has God done for you? We can think of the big stuff, like our salvation, or creating the world. But what about something specific, something He did just for you? Secondly, what have you done so you won’t forget? What is a memorial you’ve established to remind you of God’s faithfulness? Maybe it’s even something in your home so your kids will ask you what it means. In fact, if you read this story in Joshua, you’ll see that one of God’s reasons for the altar was so their children would ask the meaning of it. Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices all those in our military have made for us. But this year, let’s broaden the meaning a little and see if we can also find ways to memorialize all that our God has done for us.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27

            What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? Citizens have certain privileges not necessarily shared by non-citizens or by those who live and are citizens of other countries. Our country promises certain freedoms that may not be found in all countries: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to seek our own future. We also have the privileges of protection by our police and military, government services such as a postal service and national bank, etc. There may be disagreement on how well these privileges are granted, or on how often our freedoms are slighted because our government is run by human beings. Which brings us to the other side of the coin: our duties as citizens. We have the duty to cast our vote, to pray for our leaders, to obey the laws and to help one another when we can. These are the ways we can show we are worthy of being a citizen of The United States.

            The letter to the Philippians was written by Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome. Rome was the capital of and the center of the Roman Empire. He was writing to the Roman settlement of Philippi. Both Paul and his readers understood what it meant to be a citizen of Rome. They experienced both the privileges and duties of citizenship. In this letter, Paul is urging the Philippians (and us) to remember that we are also citizens of a higher kingdom: the Kingdom of God. What does it mean to be a citizen of this kingdom that is eternal and exists both in heaven and here on earth?

            As citizens, we have certain privileges. We have God’s word to lead and guide us. We also have the Holy Spirit as a constant companion and guide. He is an interpreter of God’s words and is also our protection against the enemy. We have a special communion with God that those who have not chosen Christ as their savior are not able to enjoy. We are part of the Church of Christ, the fellowship of believers here on this earth. We can rely on them to encourage us in our walk with Christ and to provide a special, sweet fellowship.

            As citizens of heaven, we have duties as well. These are what Paul is referring to when he urges us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, worthy of being citizens of the Kingdom. We have the duty to realize that God’s communion with us isn’t just one way. We need to communicate with Him, too. Having and reading His word isn’t just a privilege, it’s a duty as well, as is obedience to the laws of God. We have a duty to love one another, encourage one another and to build each other up in Christ. As you can see, many of the duties are also privileges, and vice versa.

            How is your lifestyle? How is mine? Are they worthy of the gospel of Christ? Are we living our lives every day of the week in such a way as to honor and glorify God? Or are we taking all the privileges and enjoying the perks while neglecting our duties as citizens of the kingdom? If your answer is that there’s room for improvement, just remember that God doesn’t love you any less. He’s still pouring out His blessings and waiting for sweet communion with you. Come back to Him. Remember Whose child you are and what Kingdom has your ultimate allegiance.