Citizens of the Kingdom

Read Colossians 1:9-23

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” (Colossians1:13)

This passage tells a story: people trapped in a dangerous realm, rescued by an incredible Savior, and granted citizenship in the “kingdom of light.” I’ve never experienced a change of nationality, but I’m learning about it through volunteering at the International Community Center. The route to U.S. “naturalization” provides some interesting parallels to spiritual citizenship.

The ICC’s clients are refugees who fled danger, oppression, and hardship in places like Myanmar and Somalia. After living in an interim country for a number of years, they were selected for possible admission into the U.S., then screened to prevent the entrance of enemies, criminals, and abusers. 

But they are not citizens! To gain that status, they have to earn it: living here at least 5 years, mastering basic English (speaking, reading, writing), and learning key aspects of U.S. history and government. They pay a substantial application fee and undergo further screening. It’s hard work; whenever an ICC client passes the citizenship tests, it’s cause for celebration!

Like the refugees, we needed to be rescued, delivered from Satan’s domain of darkness where we were trapped in our sin. But there the similarity ends. We would not have passed any screening tests for entrance to the “kingdom of light.” In fact, Paul says that we were “enemies” because of our “evil behavior”! And we were not capable of earning our citizenship. Instead we receive it as a gift, for it is only through God’s plan and Christ’s blood that anyone can qualify: redeemed, reconciled, “without blemish and free from accusation.” 

There’s another contrast: After our ICC friends swear allegiance to the U.S., we hope they’ll be enthusiastic citizens by voting and contributing to their community, though no one actively helps them do so. In God’s kingdom, we should desire to be active citizens—and we have the Spirit’s help to give knowledge and strength for “every good work”!

The refugees are starting over in a strange culture and climate here, but they are extremely grateful to be safe and have rights. How much more can we be “giving joyful thanks” to God for our new citizenship!

by Sue Gilliland