08-16-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 16, 2023
In the sermon on Sunday, I spent only a few moments on three different ways Superheroes became Super. As was our focus with the Spider-Man analogue, it was gettin bitten. But there were others, like Wonder Woman and Superman, who were Super because of where they had come. Wonder Woman was from the island of Themyscira, where she was a Princess and had certain powers because of where she was born and who her parents were. Superman came from the planet Krypton, where there was a stronger gravitational force, and thus, his body was stronger and did not feel the same pull here on earth. Of course, this is all fiction and part of the very creative imaginations of those who first put ink to paper. Yet with that said, someone’s place of origin is impactful. And as followers of Jesus, and those who take the writings of the Apostle Paul seriously, we are reminded that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Lots of folks read that to mean that we will go there when we die, and though I would agree with that general thought, I do not believe Paul was simply describing our destination after death. Whatever we claim as home has an impact on us, and just like anyone who might not be currently living in their home country, there are certain things you do to remain connected. Maybe there are certain holiday celebrations or meals that reconnect you. I have heard families recite a prayer in their native language or tell stories associated with their home country. In your mind, what are the attributes of heaven? What are the values, characteristics of the relationships, and the ethos? If we claim our citizenship as being in heaven, then shouldn’t our lives here on earth reflect our ultimate citizenship. And if you’re like me and think of heaven, less as a place, and more as a way of being, then trying to maintain that way of being wherever we might go is pretty important.

​No matter where I might find myself, Gracious God, I pray for the highest ideals of heaven to be reflected in my daily decisions and interactions. This is a formidable request, yet I believe it is possible with you. Amen.