Four Questions for Jonah

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“…What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? ” (Jonah 1:8)

Part 4: What is thy country?”

If we are indeed born a new creature out of God, from what country is the source of our birth? Spiritually speaking, where is the origination of the new spirit creature within us? Jesus said: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (Jn. 17:16) Well, if we are not of this world, from whence are we? If we are not of this world and we are joint heirs with Christ, where is Christ? Jesus prayed: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; …” (Jn. 17:24) So, where is He? It is written: “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Mk. 16:19) Now, we see that Jesus was from a heavenly place and presently dwells in the location from whence He came. It is also revealed that we belong to the same place, because we are born of a Father that rules there.

Of the saints of old it is written: But now they desire a better country, that is, and heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Heb. 11:16) Jesus said: “… I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, …”. (Rev. 3:12) Every born again individual belongs to and comes from the city and country of New Jerusalem. The new creature within is a heavenly being born of God and his birth certificated documented in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We are momentarily in this world, but we are not from here and shall not remain here. We journey homeward!

Would it not be a marvelous thing if we could all get our heads and hearts wrapped around that blessed truth? The born again ones ought to be a reflection of our home country! The Lord’s churches ought to be filled with heavenly minded citizens of New Jerusalem. Does you speech and character betray your country of origin?