Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18; Luke 10:1-20
It’s easy to criticize our country and to lament how things are not what they used to be. America is filled with immorality and our leaders not only allow it but more and more are endorsing and promoting it. Those who want our country to return to its Judeo-Christian moral roots don’t have much sway these days. But given the option to stay or to leave, there are very few Americans who would consider moving to another country. As much as we complain about our country and our government, we find ourselves agreeing with Winston Churchill’s remark that “democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
When we take stock of all that it means to be Americans, we have much to rejoice about. But there’s a danger in basing our joy in being citizens of the United States. It’s the same danger that Jesus’ disciples were facing when they returned to Him rejoicing that they had power over demons. “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you,” Jesus warned them. He knew that if they focused on the things that were honored, respected, and desirable in the world that they would get wrapped up in the pursuit of glory. “But rejoice in this,” He continued, “that your names are written in heaven.”
Earthly glory and heavenly glory often stand in opposition to one another. As Christians in the world, we find ourselves in the very place that they collide. Our great danger as Americans is to think that our U.S. citizenship somehow entitles us to have and to hold glory. Spoiled by the vast wealth and unprecedented power that our nation has enjoyed, we’ve come to put our hope, trust, and security in our citizenship and the benefits that we receive through it. We expect glory. We demand it. And we rejoice in having it. But Jesus gives us something else to rejoice in. He redirects our focus from our earthly citizenship to a citizenship that isn’t the least worst option, but one that is perfect in every way. It is a citizenship that ensures us that all of our needs will be met without exception and without erosion. It is a citizenship that does entitle us to have and to hold glory, just not yet. We are blessed to be Americans, but Jesus would say “Do not rejoice in this, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven.” He should know; He’s the one who has written them there.
Audio file of the sermon "Something to Rejoice In"
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