Not Yet Home

Sep 23 2022 - Eric Buresh

There's no doubt about it
I'm on my way home
I'm not yet where I'm going
But I'm a long way from where I was
I hear a choir of angels
Cheering me on
I'm not yet where I'm going
But I'm a long way from where I was

No Doubt About It by We the Kingdom (2020)

Watching members of the body of Christ pummel each other because they aren’t on the same “side” of American politics has been a vivid reminder of how quickly things can come unglued when we set our minds on earthly things. Don’t get me wrong. I feel the pull, drawn by my fleshly ego, to be on a “side,” and to defend that “side.” But, by God’s grace working in me, my greater desire is to be satisfied by the Living Water so much that I never even think to be satisfied by my earth-bound “team.” Jesus is the only “side” with which I identify. His bride (the Church) is my only “team.” His Kingdom is my permanent home. The Word keeps me focused and brings me back to the path of life. So, I preach the Word to myself, and I pray:

Don’t fixate on earthly things for my primary citizenship is in heaven.

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philip. 3:18-20.

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12.

God, give me the grace to know my permanent home is heaven and to not set my mind on things of the earth. Give me the perspective that I am just passing through. Give me the strength to abstain from those soul-destroying works my ego desires. I ask that people observe my good works, powered by Your grace, and that they give You all the glory. Amen.

Don’t be what you see in the world.

“Brethren . . . do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3.

God, I want to be different from what I see in the world and on social media. I don’t want to be conformed to my culture that is so consumed with anger and disputing. Please transform me by Your grace. Take away my high view of my own opinions. I don’t want to be led by my own free spirit, but by Your Holy Spirit. I desire to think in alignment with your perfect will. Amen.

God is sovereign over all authorities and uses them for my eternal good.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30.

God, I do not see the big picture like you do. I’m living under the authority of people who are deeply contrary to Your ways. I’m concerned they will turn against Your church. Yet, I know this is your appointed design. You are in total control. I trust You. You promise us good. I know good may not look like what I think good should look like here on earth, but I want Your eternal good above all else. Bring me to a state of glory in Your presence so that I shine forth the infinite glory of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Submit and Honor Authorities because of who Jesus is, not because of who they are.

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17.

God, this is so hard. You ask me to honor people who openly disparage Your word and reject Your ways. Give me eyes to see that my submission and my honoring of such people is for Your sake. For Your sake, I joyfully submit to those that govern. For Your sake, I joyfully honor the king. As Your child and citizen of heaven, I am free from human institutions. Yet, as Your servant, I submit to them and honor them. Please accept my submission and honoring as an act of worship to You, and by Your Grace keep my eyes fixed on Your beauty and worth. Amen.