Philippians 3:20-21
"...our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." NIV
Today is the National Day of Prayer. It is a day set aside by our nation to pray for our government leaders, city officials,and many of the struggles our nation faces(1 Timothy 2:1-4). It is also a time to give thanks to God for His hand of blessing upon our land.
With blessing comes responsibility. God always blesses people and nations to be a blessing to others.
I love our country. I am thankful that I am an American. I believe that our country is still great and there is no place I would rather live or be from. However, we must always remember that America nor any nation is the Kingdom of God.
John 18:36
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. NIV
The Kingdom of God is first of all spiritual:
"Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again...no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:3,5 NIV)
Secondly, on one hand, the Kingdom of God is not a place per se, but rather wherever God rules and reigns:
"...Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21 NIV)
Thirdly, on the other hand, the Kingdom of God is and will be a physical place (see Revelation 20-21). The earth is the Lord's already, but there is coming a day when Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lord's. That is the Kingdom yet to come. Right now He reigns in the hearts of His people. One day He will reign over all.
So, when we pray for our nation we must keep in mind how our nation fits into the sovereign plan and will of God. Often we pray prayers that are based around "our interest and our way of life." We must always be mind of where our true citizenship is as followers of our King.
"Our Father Who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."
