If you ask someone from Michigan where they live, they automatically hold up their left hand to show where their hometown is. Michigan is sort of shaped like a mitten. My birthplace was in Goodrich, Michigan, a location on the map of your left hand, just to the left of the lowest joint on the thumb.

Where you’re born is important. It is identification for birth certificates, passports, national heritage, and in the case of Lord Jesus, fulfillment of prophecy. (Micah 5:2) (Matthew 2:1-6)

Growing up in Goodrich, which is outside of Flint, I came to know a bit about the area: the roads, the people, the schools, churches, lakes and rivers. It was no surprise to me that the Flint River was found to be contaminated with lead. Its polluted state was common knowledge many years ago. (Tim Carmody/The Verge)

Neither was the news several years ago that the auto industry was sinking. Those who lived in the midst of it could see what was happening.

But I also knew that Michigan was known for its great beauty and friendly people. Surrounded by Great Lakes, it has been a summer resort state for generations. Today it is promoted as “Pure Michigan.”

Psalm 87:6 states, “The Lord will count when He registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’”

God knows where we were born. He determined the location for our good.

But He is more interested in those who are “born again.” Their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Isaiah 4:3; Revelation 3:5) This book will be take out in Jerusalem, when Lord Jesus returns to sit on His throne.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?

Those born of the Spirit, born of God, are to know about the things of God’s Kingdom, just as we know about the things in our hometowns.

We should know how to reach God, our history and heritage, the ways of God, the people of God. The King should be on a first-name basis with each of us. Our citizenship is first in Heaven. (Philippians 3:20) The poisoned places God created (Hell, darkness, realm of the devil) should not be surprises to us and we should know not to eat from the tree of knowledge of evil nor to drink from a polluted river, clinging only to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

We who are born of God enjoy privileges that the world has not received: adoption as sons, grafting into the olive tree whose root is rich, knowledge of God and His glory, benefit of the New Covenant, His river of delights, His protection, provision and providence, His trust, His Word, and His promises. So many things cannot be written!

To whom much has been given, much is required. (Luke 12:48)

During this time of Christian persecution we must look back at what God has already done for us. Remember His Word, His promises and submit to His hand of protection. Now is the time to be faithful. We can see that pastors, many for the first time, are being called to stand for Christ publicly. (Daniel Burke/CNN; Steve West/World) They endangered by rioters, protesters and could be arrested.

We too little sheep must remain faithful as our leaders remain anchored to the cross of Christ.

Are you remaining faithful?

LOOK UP!

JESUS IS CALLING DOERS