July 7
Acts 25:1-27
We live with our feet in two worlds. We live in America, but we also live in God's kingdom. How should we balance these two things? St. Augustine wrote a classic book on this very topic called the City of God roughly 1500 years ago. He described the reality of living with dual citizenship. Paul found himself wrestling with this very same idea in Acts 25. Paul knew that God was his ultimate judge, but he found himself over a period of years standing before earthly judges in Felix and Festus. After a long delay of justice, he finally demanded to be seen by Caesar. He knew that earthly justice is always impartial and tainted but was also thankful he lived at a time where justice could potentially be pursued.
We similarly find ourselves under the authority of God and earthly governments. Our world largely ignores God's authority, while as Christians we can sometimes feel that nothing on earth is significant. Yet we are called to glorify God where we are now and to do so considering eternity and God's kingdom. We need to live in the world, but not of the world, submitting to earthly authorities, and ultimately submitting to God. We are to glorify God where he has placed us and pursue justice. We may never get justice on earth, but thankfully, Christ will bring it fully about at his return.
Father God, as I serve you, help me to represent you well to the earthly authorities which you have placed over me. Help me to be a good citizen of America and a great citizen of your kingdom. Amen.
Where do you see your earthly citizenship crowding out your identity as a child of God?
We live with our feet in two worlds. We live in America, but we also live in God's kingdom. How should we balance these two things? St. Augustine wrote a classic book on this very topic called the City of God roughly 1500 years ago. He described the reality of living with dual citizenship. Paul found himself wrestling with this very same idea in Acts 25. Paul knew that God was his ultimate judge, but he found himself over a period of years standing before earthly judges in Felix and Festus. After a long delay of justice, he finally demanded to be seen by Caesar. He knew that earthly justice is always impartial and tainted but was also thankful he lived at a time where justice could potentially be pursued.
We similarly find ourselves under the authority of God and earthly governments. Our world largely ignores God's authority, while as Christians we can sometimes feel that nothing on earth is significant. Yet we are called to glorify God where we are now and to do so considering eternity and God's kingdom. We need to live in the world, but not of the world, submitting to earthly authorities, and ultimately submitting to God. We are to glorify God where he has placed us and pursue justice. We may never get justice on earth, but thankfully, Christ will bring it fully about at his return.
Father God, as I serve you, help me to represent you well to the earthly authorities which you have placed over me. Help me to be a good citizen of America and a great citizen of your kingdom. Amen.
Where do you see your earthly citizenship crowding out your identity as a child of God?
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