by Oscar R Cruz
The 14th amendment to the constitution of the United States of America was added to allow the children of former slaves and others born in the USA birthright citizenship. Thought to be enshrined in the constitution, is now challenged before the SCOTUS by the POTUS.
If we think that birthright citizenship is the norm around the world, here are some countries where the children of immigrants are not granted birthright citizenship: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey, Ukraine, Israel all have restricted birthright citizenship, as do Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan and India where you must have, at least, one parent born in the country to get birthright citizenship.
Philippians 3:20 says “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Is this birthright citizenship? Certainly not. In Romans 11 Paul talks about us being grafted in the place of the natural branch, Israel, that was fallen off. So, our citizenship of heaven is grafted. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8 – 9.
Nicodemus felt that he had the birthright of an Israelite. Proud of his accomplishments, boastful of his position in Israel, rich and admired by his pears. Yet his heart felt that he was missing something. He had to be careful not to lose his place in society by admitting to his shortcomings. The cover of night was perfect to consult a humble preacher from the countryside, even worse, Nazareth.
Yet, his encounter with the Divine Teacher brought all the light he needed. He kept his position until his voice was needed to speak and act for the cause of Jesus of Nazareth.
See, it does not matter how you came to know Jesus, it matters that you know Him. That His light has covered you and you now can be called a Citizen of Heaven. You will also have opportunities, as did Nicodemus, when it matters the most, to let your light shine for the cause of Jesus of Nazareth.
Your journey is unique and your Christian experience different. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, you will be safe and secure in midst of the storms of life. Here is our faith: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [birth]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11 – 13.
Isn’t that amazing!