Sometimes the beauty of what others write inspires and blesses my heart to no end. I love reading the Puritan writers and Spurgeon. I have a few favorites among modern writers, too, but I find the language and phrasing of the ancients more poetic and intriguing.
Spurgeon's devotion on Ephesians 2:19 is a case in point. Today, I will record it for you here, and I hope it blesses your heart as much as it did mine. The italics belong to the publisher, so I'll underline the portions that jumped out to me. Enjoy!
Ephesians 2:19 reads, "Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."
"What is meant by our being 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." The proclamations issued from the throne of glory are freely received by us: the decrees of the Great King we cheerfully obey. Then as citizens of the New Jerusalem, we share heaven's honors.
The glory which belongs to beatified saints belongs to us, for we are already sons of God, already princes of the blood imperial; already we wear the spotless robe of Jesus' righteousness; already we have angels for our servitors, saints for our companions, Christ for our Brother, God for our Father, and a crown of immortality for our reward. We share the honors of citizenship, for we have come to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven. 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 no candle nor light of the sun; ours the river of the water of life, and the twelve manners of fruits which grow on the trees planted on the banks thereof; there is naught in heaven that belongeth not to us. "Things present, or things to come," all are ours. "The present and the future," all are ours.
Also, as citizens of heaven, we enjoy its delights. Do they there rejoice over sinners that repent—prodigals that 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? Such honours as we have we cast there too. Are they charmed with his smile? It is not less sweet to us who dwell below. Do they look forward, waiting for his second advent? We also look and long for his appearance. If, then, we are thus citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions be consistent with our high dignity."
Already! What a precious promise to claim. Our names are written in the Book of Life; our citizenship is secure, and our home is prepared. My hearts sings the old hymn, "This world is not my home; I'm just a passin' through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue." And friend, they are already yours, too. Walk in that faith. Claim and live within that promise looking for the appearance of our Lord and Saviour and our home in heaven.
If you aren't already a child of God, don't you think its time you got that sorted? Eye hath not seen nor ear heard all the Lord has prepared for those who love Him, for those who have placed their faith in the Son for salvation through repentance and forgiveness of sin. Are you ready?
(C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, July 10)
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