THE EXCITING ANTICIPATION CONTINUES TO BUILD!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
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.”
(Philippians 3:20-21)

MEDITATION:
Do you remember a time in your life when a close friend or a relative
had to go away for a lengthy time? It was an emotional time and you
hated to see them leave. You knew you could keep in touch with each
other with phone calls, mail, and social media, but would still miss
each other’s presence.

In some instances, their absence is limited, and they will return one
day. When it’s time for them to return, your excitement and emotions
begin to rise. Even if the person has moved away permanently, you
still enjoy keeping in contact with them.

Paul talked about this same type of anticipation in his letter to
the Philippians. He had just told them some heartbreaking news
about those who did not believe in Jesus Christ and were opposed
to hearing anything about the Lord.
    For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again
    even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
    Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and
    their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
    (Philippians 3:18-19)

We can see the passion Paul had for every person to receive salvation
from God. He was full of tears as he spoke about those in opposition to
the Lord. Paul tells us the reason they were not interested in anything
about the Lord was because their mind was filled with earthly things,
instead of Godly things.

Based on Paul’s letter, it sounds like an either/or situation, doesn’t it?
We can choose to focus on the things of the Lord which please Him, or
we can focus on the things of the world, but we cannot focus on both at
the same time, can we?

After his distressing news about those in opposition to the Lord, Paul
gives some encouraging news to those who are not opposed to the Lord,
but in fact, have been adopted into His family. Paul says that since we
have been declared citizens of Heaven, we will “eagerly await” the day
when Jesus returns to take home His adopted family with Him.

And what will our new home be like? Everything will be under the
control of Jesus, so fairness will abound and it will be perfect. Not
only that, but we will inhabit new bodies which are more like the
body of Jesus. We will have a body without flaws or susceptibility
to pain or sicknesses. We should not be surprised that Paul tells us
we will “eagerly await” His return!

ACTION:
What about us? Here are some questions to consider!
    – Am I looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ,
      or have I set my mind on earthly things?
    – Have I allowed my worldly focus to steal my excitement
      of inhabiting a new body as I make Heaven my eternal home?
    – Am I missing out on the joy of fellowshipping with the Lord now?

If you are wondering about your focus, ask yourself two questions
and be honest with your answers:
    “What am I doing to serve the Lord while awaiting His return?”
    “How am I showing others that my faith is real?”

Whether we like it or not, when we received salvation from the Lord,
He gave us two special gifts for meeting His expectations. He gave us
the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide us in becoming more like Him.
And, He gave us a spiritual gift that is tailor-made especially for us, so
we can serve Him in the way He has chosen specifically for us.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of Heaven
and a new body for those who love You and are part of Your
ministry while awaiting the return of Your Son, Jesus. Make
me aware if my focus is on earthly things instead of Godly
things. Let me know if I have not received Your salvation. If
I am saved, show me how I can serve You using the spiritual
gift You gave me when I received Your salvation. As I live in
the hope of Your return, give me the wisdom and love to reach
those around me and point them toward You. This might seem
like a daunting task, so remind me that whatever You call me
to do, You will equip me with confidence for success. You have
said you will bever leave or forsake me, so I know that You will
be there to help me with my efforts to serve You. Give me a solid
passion like Paul’s, to see lost people come to You asking for Your
forgiveness of their sins and committing to a life of following
Jesus and serving You.”

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