Philippians 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Paul’s letters to the churches were widely copied and distributed, not only to church members, but to whole regions. Now his letters are in the bible, passed down for centuries, among every tribe, tongue and nation. Euodias and Syntyche were being called out because of differing points of view. How embarrassing is that?

I cannot imagine my pastor standing in the pulpit saying, “Fred, Larry, you guys need to get right with the Lord.” Being of the same mind in the Lord is not indicating that either party is right or wrong, but that whatever is going on with you two needs to stop and let the Lord settle it.

I suspect that Paul had a deep insight into their relationship and without making specifics known, was trying to prevent a schism in the church. When a problem occurs between two people, sides tend to form along lines of friendship. Paul is just trying to nip this in the bud. Because he is not there, he is forced to address it in letter form.

Paul obviously has been given authority to speak truth into these lives. Here is my bigger problem here, why hasn’t anyone grown up in the Lord to take Paul’s place in these men’s lives? Paul isn’t coming back. Under house arrest his situation is not going to improve. How can a church grow if Godly men do not assume roles of leadership and pick up the mantle of leadership?

2 Kings 2:9, 14 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Isaiah 1:12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?

When you get a summons to court it is for one reason only, someone is in trouble. It might be you or someone you know. You are either going to be accused or asked to testify. That is pretty much it. No one comes to court because it’s a pleasant thing to do.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Not so with the courts of heaven from the opening verses of Isaiah. I ask because of this one phrase, “who has required this”. In the courts of an earthly king we are not granted an audience with the king without a summons to court. The king summons you. You don’t get to just walk on in.

By what authority do you enter God’s courts?

Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

I’m already there.

Our authority comes from being in Christ. It is not so much a coming and going as versed in Job 1 where the angels come and go from heaven to earth. They are not in Christ. We hold a unique role in His Kingdom, dual citizenship. While we walk this earth on our sojourn, we carry the rights of citizenship to our city, state, nation. Being in Christ we are citizens of that heavenly realm. We have rights because by faith we are in Christ. We can and do come and go freely without a summons.

Are you a Kingdom citizen in Christ?