November 25 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:17–22

Devotional

What does it mean that we are citizens in heaven? It means that we are under heaven’s government. Christ, the King of heaven, reigns in our hearts. Our daily prayer is, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). The proclamations issued from the throne of glory we freely receive. The decrees of the Great King we cheerfully obey.

Then, as citizens of the New Jerusalem, we share heaven’s honours. The glory that belongs to saints in heaven belongs to us, for we are already sons of God. We are already princes of the imperial blood. Already we wear the spotless robe of Jesus’ righteousness. Already we have angels for our attendants, saints for our companions, Christ for our Brother, God for our Father, and a crown of immortality for our reward.

We share these honours of citizenship because we have come to the general assembly and church of the first-born whose names are written in heaven (Heb. 12:22–24). As citizens, we have common rights to all the property of heaven. Ours are its gates of pearl and walls of chrysolite; ours the azure light of the city that needs neither candle nor light of the sun; ours the river of the water of life, and the twelve crops of fruits which grow on the trees planted on its banks; there is nothing in heaven that does not belong to us (Rev. 21–22). “The present or the future” (1 Cor. 3:22), all is ours.

Also as citizens of heaven we enjoy its delights. Do they there rejoice over sinners who repent, prodigals who have returned? So do we. Do they chant the glories of triumphant grace? We do the same. Do they cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet? Whatever honours we have, we cast there too. Are they charmed with his smile? It is no less sweet to us who dwell below. Do they look forward, waiting for his second coming? We also look and long for his appearing.

If, then, we are thus citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions be consistent with our high dignity.

[July 10]

Extracted from C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening (public domain), language modernized by Larry E. Wilson.