Citizen

Yesterday, we listened in as Paul tried to defend himself against a crowd that had unjustly attacked him; but his speech was rejected.


Acts 22
24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. 25 When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” 26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!” 27 So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied. 28 “I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!” 29 The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped.


Citizen. For Paul (and me), citizenship was something that was inherited. For the Roman commander, citizenship was something that was earned. For both Paul and the commander (and me), citizenship was something that was valued … and came with some pretty sweet rights. As a Jesus follower, Paul enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship; but never lost sight of the fact that his real citizenship … his more important citizenship … was in heaven (check out Philippians 3:12-21). A citizenship that is neither inherited nor earned; but given freely (check out Romans 6:23). A citizenship that isn’t focused on rights; but responsibilities. Responsibilities like worshipping (check out Matthew 22:34-37), serving (check out Mark 10:35-45), caring (check out Matthew 25:31-46), managing (check out Matthew 25:14-28), reaching (check out Matthew 28:18-20) and growing (check out Luke 8:4-15). As a Jesus follower, I enjoy the rights of American citizenship (especially during this election season); but pray I never lose sight of my real citizenship … and the responsibilities that go with it (especially during this election season).