Citizenship Beyond Borders

In many ways, becoming a citizen of a country is a great privilege. Citizenship can open doors to opportunity, freedom, and global mobility. The process of applying for citizenship in any country is typically straightforward, but it often requires a significant amount of time. The procedure may include hindrances and challenges, but gaining citizenship makes it all worthwhile.

Becoming a citizen gives you the right to vote, stay in the country permanently, travel more freely, access government benefits and education, bring family to join you, apply for more jobs, and enjoy full legal protection. For the people of Israel, coming out of slavery in Egypt and embarking on an unknown trek to the Promised Land was a story of freedom and a journey to something better. And yet, as powerful as earthly national privileges may be, they pale in comparison to the promise of a heavenly citizenship.

A Better Country

Scripture speaks of a far better homeland, one not defined by borders or policies, but by the presence of God Himself. Hebrews 11:16 says: “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

Unlike any earthly nation, entrance into this heavenly country isn’t based on birthright, wealth, or a bureaucratic process. It’s freely offered to anyone who comes—broken, stained, unqualified—to Jesus Christ in humble surrender.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).

This is the gospel. The good news. You don’t need to fix yourself before coming. Jesus welcomes you just as you are—damaged, dented, worn out, and ashamed. He alone can give you a new identity. He alone makes us citizens of the kingdom of God. The path ahead may not be easy, but every step is shaped by a God who sees eternity (not just our present ease) and is leading us with purpose beyond the difficulty and pain. 

No matter how comfortable or safe our homeland feels, this is not our final destination.

A Passport Miracle

A recent mission trip to Peru illustrated this truth in a powerful way.

As our team prepared to depart, one of our members, Kari, was stopped at the gate. His passport was warped and spotted. The airline agent took one look and said firmly, “You are not going to Peru.”

We appealed. Kindly. Firmly. Faithfully. A supervisor was called. Meanwhile, prayers were rising across the team.

Finally the supervisor arrived, examined the passport, and after a pause said:“It’s damaged, but we won’t let it keep you from going. Let him board. Just make sure Peru knows we approved it, and apply for a new one as soon as possible.”

The first of many miracles! Kari got on that plane. His passport, flawed as it was, was accepted: grace.

It reminded me of how we approach God. Our lives, warped and spotted by sin, should disqualify us. But Jesus, our advocate, steps in and says: “Let them in. I’ve paid the price. Set them free.”

Into a Foreign Land

We entered Peru, not as tourists, but as servants of God. Like the Israelites entering the wilderness after crossing the Red Sea, we stepped into the unknown. But God was with us.

During our time there:

• We distributed 10,000 vitamins to adults and children.

• We gave away hundreds of toothbrushes, toothpastes, shampoos, and soaps.

• More than 150 children attended Vacation Bible School.

• Two churches were painted inside and out.

• I had the privilege of visiting with local church leaders and baptizing seven precious souls.

We bonded with the children and the church family at the site. When it came time to say goodbye, tears flowed, even from the “strongest” among us. The love of God had formed something beautiful.

Trials in the Wilderness

But just like the Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land, we faced challenges—some unexpected, some exhausting. There was the endless travel by plane, bus, minivan, taxi, train, boat, canoe, and motorbike, and on foot. We had stomach aches, sleepless nights, and a broken camera. Being followed by thieves, long bus rides skimming cliff edges, and no safe water to drink confronted us. The cold showers, lack of toilets, broken glass on roads, burning tires, and news from home that weighed heavily on our hearts tested us. Not to mention the altitude sickness at 13,000 feet.

There were moments when, like the Israelites, all we could do was cry out (Ex. 2:23). But through it all, God was faithful. He sustained us. He worked through our weakness. He refined our faith.

Coming Home, but Still Foreigners

When we landed back in the U.S., it felt good to be home. But the Holy Spirit whispered something deeper:Even here you are still foreigners.

You see, no matter how comfortable or safe our homeland feels, this is not our final destination. The comforts of modern life—clean water, a paycheck, warm clothes, a safe neighborhood—can tempt us to forget we’re just passing through.

Philippians 3:20 reminds us: “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV).

Possessing the Promise

When the Israelites reached the land of Canaan, it wasn’t a time to relax. God had delivered the land into their hands, but they still had work to do: “Drive out all the inhabitants . . . , destroy all their . . . images, and demolish all their high places; . . . dispossess . . . the land” (Num. 33:52, 53).

For us the message is spiritual. We must cast out what doesn’t belong in our lives:

• Drive out pride, or it will blind your eyes and break others down.

• Destroy bitterness, or it will keep you from loving your neighbor.

• Demolish lust, or it will corrupt your thoughts and relationships.

• Dispossess hypocrisy, or it will choke your witness and harden your heart.

“If you do not drive [them] out, . . . [they] shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides” (Num. 33:55).

God gives us the promise, but we must possess it. We must actively fight the good fight of faith (2 Tim. 4:7).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Deceived

Just because we’re surrounded by blessings doesn’t mean we have arrived. Don’t let clean streets and clean water make you forget that we’re still in exile. Don’t let a full pantry blind you to your deeper hunger. Don’t let routine comfort mask your spiritual battle.

Our home is ahead. The real Promised Land. And entry is available to whoever comes.

Jesus said, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). He’s the gate. He’s the passport. He’s the path.

Keep the Faith

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8, NIV).

Friend, keep walking. Keep fighting. Keep your eyes on the true country. Because the best is still to come.