Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

I never thought of those who were cast out of the wedding feast because they did not have the proper robes as being illegals until just now. It is an ugly term and conjures up some images that are uncomfortable.

It is a parable and as such is supposed to teach us something. I must admit that Paul didn’t know about our present plight and how the word used may create ugly images for us today.

But God the Father did know and wants us to deal with it.

Perhaps the reason I did not think in those terms is because my memory of scriptures embedded in my heart was the KJV which uses the word conversations rather than citizenship. The Greek word is políteuma, pol-it’-yoo-mah; from G4176; a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively):—conversation.

Conversation is polite and does not drag current fears into play. To be fair to the ESV editors they did not know about our present situation either and they were attempting to raise awareness of an abstract thought with good intentions.

But here we are so let us deal with it. On the KJV side we have the right to have a conversation with God the Father because we placed our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. On the ESV side we are not citizens because of birthrights, we are born again into that Kingdom.

The abstract will always conjure up visions more closely related to the individual’s experiences which vary so widely that it is unjust to tell anyone they are wrong about how they feel.

In terms of dealing with the lost, it would be more gracious of us to talk to them in terms where we do not think of them as illegal aliens. Our mission is to preach the gospel without allowing our emotions attached to an ugliness that would say they are not welcome in the Kingdom.

The lesson of the sower was to scatter the seed of the gospel everywhere without any concerns about the condition of the heart that may or may not receive it.

“Nope barren ground, I am not going to share the good news there!”

Judge not lest you be judged comes to mind.

Matthew 24:21-26 English Standard Version

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Isaiah 34:4 All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.

John 16:1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.”

Some have taught that “this generation” begins with Israel’s return in 1947. Well it has been 78 years and I am turning 78 this year. I am of an age one might think is a generation. Those who have listened to those teachings and have a hope of His second coming are looking to Israel to complete the signs written about by Daniel and the marking of the tribulation period.

Let us not allow our desire to drive our hope. Those teachings might be wrong. So let us do what Jesus said and allow prophecy to take care of itself.

Matthew 24:45-47 English Standard Version

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

The Master will return when He is not expected so feed the sheep.

“Here take, eat, this is My body given for you.”

I can only make an offering. I cannot make you eat.