Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,
set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col. 3:1-4
Lord Jesus, as an American, I’m not thrilled with the current state of our union. My friends in Great Britain recently told me the same about life in the U.K. But the only “union” that gives any citizen of any nation true and lasting hope is our union with you, Lord. Help us see how our “in-Christ-ness” defines us more than our “in-anything-else-ness.”
Jesus, as Paul writes in the passage, our lives are hidden in you. We are saved, safe, and settled. We’ve been given the most enriching, unbreakable relationship with you imaginable. Though we await your return and the resurrection of our bodies, many incredible things are already true of us.
We were co-crucified (Gal. 2:20), buried (Rom. 6:4), and raised to new life in you (Col. 3:1). And we are presently sitting with you “in the heavenly places” (Eph. 2:6). Lord, help us understand the peace-giving, fear-toppling, hope-fueling implications of these things.
In union with you, we are forgiven, righteous, and beloved. Our days, hairs, and pains are numbered. Nothing can separate us from God’s love or snatch us from your hand.
Since our lives are now hidden in you, Jesus, free us to see, think, and feel with the heartbeat of heaven. No matter the citizenship on our passport, we are most thankful to have citizenship in heaven. So very Amen we pray, in your awesome and beautiful name.
