22. Kingdom citizenship.

'Blessed are the poor in the spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3) What an unusual kingdom where only the 'poor' are given citizenship! They are the ones who realise they have nothing to offer to God but themselves whereas the 'proud' think they have much to offer to God but not themselves! Therefore, they will be unable to enter the kingdom because 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' (1 Peter 5:5) And without grace, none can be saved, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.' (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is those who receive grace that are considered blessed to enter the Kingdom. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'"( Matthew 25:34) As the kingdoms of the world are shaking, let's secure your citizenship in the unshakeable kingdom! 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.'( Hebrews 12:28) Amen.