By Dave Benner
These days we hear a lot about our rights. We are fortunate to live in a country where we have rights as a citizen, guaranteed by the Constitution.
We learn in Acts 22:28 that Paul was born a Roman citizen which gave him certain rights. Elsewhere in Acts, we see him claiming his rights in several instances but not in others. When Paul insisted that authorities honor his rights it resulted in furthering the gospel of Christ.
In John 1:10-12, John writes this about Jesus: “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
To think that we who obey Jesus have the right to become children of God is mind boggling! This is the greatest blessing of all! This is a vivid portrait of God’s grace. How can we who are sinners be forgiven at all, let alone rise to the level of a child of God? This is only possible through the blood of Jesus.
Consider also that Paul, who understood Roman citizenship and used it for the glory of God, reminds us where our citizenship lies. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:12). As we consider how and when to use our rights as citizens of the United States, we must first consider our eternal citizenship. Our actions must always be consistent with God’s Word if we want to claim the right to be His children.
The elders pray for you continually, please pray for us.