But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

(Philippians 3:20-21)

To be a citizen of heaven is an incredible reality. When we are born we inherit citizenship in a place and amongst a people. Our adoption in Christ is similar, and yet infinitely more valuable, since that citizenship is in the kingdom over which Christ rules. And we know that the kingdom of God is like no other. The kingdom in which Jesus reigns is a kingdom of peace, justice, love, joy, and so much more. Under His rulership humanity thrives in a way that souls long for but hearts dare not to dream is possible. As we come to know the greatness of our king, we begin to live with more and more eagerness for His return. We want Christ’s kingdom to come in its fullness. We long for the day when Jesus reigns rightly without a  shadow of darkness left to dim our eternal joy.

Our effort in engaging the nations, therefore, is an act of worship, demonstrating our earnestness for the return of Christ. We live our lives with passion, to extend the rule of Jesus across the globe, because we see his reign as superior to all others. We radically give our lives for the hope of the cosmic rule of God to be revealed on earth. All of our efforts to extend Christ’s kingdom are part of a great mission that will one day be finished. It’s not just a good thing to do. It is the task Jesus has given us until his return.

We radically give our lives for the hope of the cosmic rule of God to be revealed on earth

We know neither the day nor hour when Jesus will return – we know only that he is coming. And since there is not an ounce of creation that will not be under his rule, we live with urgency to see every tribe and tongue in glad submission to his authority now. Christ’s reign is perfect, we long to see his glory cover the whole earth.

I, for one, am delighted at the thought of the return of Jesus. I don’t know how God will use my effort or the efforts of my church, but I do know what must happen —we must go and make disciples of all nations. My hope is that you will join me in this passionate pursuit of seeing the name and gospel of Jesus proclaimed in every place. In so doing we make much of the rule of our king. In pursuing all the nations, the nations will see the supremacy of the rule of Jesus.

This is the fourth post in this series on Engaging Other Nations, here are the other posts in this series:

• Why do we Plant Churches Among the Unreached?
• Engaging other nations shows His Power
• Engaging other nations shows His Worth

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