Lenten Daily Reflection 2020-02-27
Lenten Reflection for Wednesday, February 27
Jan Hansen
Philippians 3:12-21
12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal;* but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved,* I do not consider that I have made it my own;*but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly* call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
17 Brothers and sisters,* join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship* is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation* so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory,* by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
Citizenship is a hot topic these days. The fears and struggles of those living in a land where they are supposedly "illegal" should be familiar to all. Even if one is "legal" there is a fear to safeguard passports and wait in LONG lines to get "REAL" IDs ( if one can find all the correct documentation!)
In researching this REAL ID thing, apparently there are some with stars and some with American flags. All very confusing and intimidating. What a soothing reminder Paul gives - "BUT OUR citizenship is in heaven!" Jesus supplied all the documentation needed for that citizenship for us on the cross. And even though we can't get a REAL ID that is marked with the cross of Christ, WE are marked with the cross of Christ and must "press on towards the goal for the prize fo the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."
Sharing in the fellowship of his suffering with you this Lenten season,
Jan Hanen