Citizenship
The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Acts 22:28
I was born a United States citizen. Today, many people take that for granted, but for me, it is an honor. I believe the words of the old patriotic song that say there is no greater land on earth. Being an American comes with many privileges and freedoms that others in the world do not have. I can live in peace, protect myself and my family, travel freely without harassment, and most importantly, worship God openly and gather with other believers in a house of worship.
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul had been arrested and was about to be examined under scourging, which was a brutal Roman punishment. But when Paul revealed that he was a Roman citizen, everything changed. The centurion immediately reported it to his commander, who told Paul that he had purchased his own citizenship at a great price. Paul responded that he had been born a citizen. That revelation shifted the entire situation, and Paul was removed from danger and placed under the protection of the Roman guard. Though Paul was Jewish, his dual citizenship gave him access to certain rights and protections that others didn’t have. He was wise to know what his rights were and bold enough to speak up when he needed them.
In the same way, if you have received salvation through Jesus, you also have dual citizenship. You may have been born in America, but when you were born again into the Kingdom of God, you became a citizen of heaven. That means you have access to heavenly rights and benefits right now in this life. Those benefits, however, can only operate effectively when you know what they are and walk in them.
Psalm 103 is a wonderful reminder of the benefits that belong to you as a citizen of heaven:
- God forgives and releases you from the punishment of all your sins and iniquities
- He heals all your diseases
- He redeems your life from destruction
- He crowns you with His lovingkindness and tender mercies
- He fills your life with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s
- He executes righteousness and justice for you when the enemy tries to oppress you
Even though these benefits belong to you, that doesn’t mean you will never face challenges in this fallen world. When difficulties do come your way, you must, like Paul, stand on your heavenly citizenship and take hold of your rights. You can remind the enemy that you are not bound by the laws of darkness but governed by the authority and promises of heaven. You may walk through the fire, but God’s Word promises that you will not be consumed.
Here are a few practical ways to apply this truth in your life:
1. Begin by studying the promises of God in His Word and take note of what belongs to you as His child.
2. Write down the benefits and blessings of being a citizen of heaven and thank God for them daily.
3. When challenges come, take your heavenly stand out loud with confidence.
4. Surround yourself with other believers who will help you stay grounded in your identity in Christ.
5. Pray for wisdom and strength to walk as a true ambassador of God’s Kingdom in every area of your life.
Today I want to encourage you to live with confidence in your heavenly citizenship. God has given you authority, promises, and benefits that cannot be revoked. When life tries to shake you or make you doubt your place, remember that you belong to the Kingdom of God. You have access to peace, healing, provision, and victory, not because of your earthly status, but because of your identity in Christ Jesus. Walk boldly as a citizen of heaven and watch God’s promises work powerfully in your life.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 22:22-30
22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”
23 Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air,
24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him.
25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”
26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”
27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”
He said, “Yes.”
28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”
And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
29 Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
30 The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
Journal:
- What does it mean to you personally to be a citizen of heaven?
- Which of the benefits from Psalm 103 stands out to you the most today?
- How can you remind yourself daily of your heavenly rights when challenges arise?
- What is one promise of God that you can stand on this week?
The Daily Dose 