Written by Estefanía Medrano, Iron Rose Sister Ministries volunteer in El Salvador
A few days ago, I left my home country to visit my family in the United States. I thought that I could take advantage of the trip and work parttime in order to gain experience and earn some income. So, I started a job search. I found an opening at a restaurant, so I called and asked if they were still hiring. They answered that they were and scheduled an interview that same afternoon since they were desperate to hire new personnel. I decided to go, seeking God’s blessing.
The interview was a total success. I agreed with everything they were asking me to do. The schedule was perfect. It was a great opportunity. They told me to come the next day and to purchase a specific outfit and shoes. I left right away, fully ready to learn and do my best.
When I arrived, I introduced myself to a different manager than the one who had interviewed me the day before. This person started to ask for documentation that authorized me to work in the country. However, I did not have it. I was not prepared to provide documentation of that type because the person who interviewed me forgot to ask me if I had it. I never imagined that it was necessary, and I knew that I did not have it, since my stay was not permanent.
At that moment that person, very ashamed, told me that they could not hire me because it was an essential requirement and apologized for not having told me during the interview. Smiling, I told him that there was no problem, that I totally understood. I said goodbye with a handshake and left the place. When I walked through the door, the tears rolled down my cheeks inadvertently, and then I pondered what had happened.
I had never thought about the value of the citizenship of a country, and the rights that it grants to the citizen. At the same time, I was reminded of the most important citizenship that exists, our citizenship in heaven. I will never forget the first thing that came to mind when I left that restaurant. I wondered how I will feel or what it will be like when I am in the presence of God, and He calls His chosen ones to His right side to live an eternity with Him—for those chosen ones to have a guaranteed citizenship in heaven, with all the benefits that it affords. But for those who do not have it, they will not have that pass and will not be allowed to enter. The humiliation will be great, and the weeping will be eternal. I don't think anyone wants to go through that humiliating moment when God tells some that they cannot go and live with Him for eternity.
“But to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” (Mark 10:40, NIV)
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Heb. 13:14)
The difference between this and my work experience is that we know that we are striving to obtain that citizenship and obtain all its rights and benefits.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 3:20)
That hope must be accompanied by the effort to achieve it because it is a unique place.
“And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” (1 Pet. 1:4)
Can you imagine that great day, dear sister, the day that every Christian hopes his/her name will be called by our heavenly Father? When your name that is written in the book of life is called, it will allow you to enter the heavenly city, because you belong to that place. You are a legitimate citizen, and you will be able to enjoy everything that is there for an eternity.
The day I showed up for work and they told me they couldn't hire me, I felt bad and somewhat humiliated, but then with a more relaxed mind, I understood and accepted that it was fine because the restaurant had policies and rules and I couldn't change them. Then, I remembered the words in Revelation...
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27)
God also has rules or requirements, and we cannot go against them. On that great day of judgment, we will have to be aware of our actions, of our profile as Christians. And if our life has aligned with what God requires in His life manual, which is His holy Word, we will be worthy of that great reward.
That is why, sister, I invite you to join me in daily remembering to maintain our focus on eternity, by always thinking about our true citizenship and the privilege of entering that glorious city, where we will be legitimate citizens and enjoy eternity with the King.