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Thy Country — Part 1
“What is thy country?” (Jonah 1:8).
This is a very interesting question, and one of greater significance than perhaps we think. If someone were to ask me this question at a customs or immigration desk, I would truthfully answer, “I am a Canadian.” Some of my readers would answer, “American,” while others would give a variety of nations from around the world, and, I would add, this would be the wise way to answer in such cases. To government officials, we need to give straightforward, honest answers. Jonah, when asked, affirmed, “I am an Hebrew” (Jonah 1:9). This was certainly true.
But I am far more than just a Canadian. And you too, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, are far more than just the nationality indicated on your birth certificate or passport. Whatever flag or government we live under, believers have one thing in common — we are citizens of heaven.
Here is how the Apostle Paul explained it when writing to the believers in the city of Ephesus:
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).
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