A new country
History has a habit of throwing up the bizarre and unusual such as the Republic of Cospaia which lasted for nearly 400 years as an independent state with only 300 inhabitants. There were two powers: the family of Medici who held a large area of north western Italy known as the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal States controlled by the Pope who signed a treaty with the agreed boundary along the banks of a certain river. They failed to realise that the river was formed from two tributaries and their respective territories went as far as the bank nearest to them. The area of land (Cospaia) between the two river branches was not included in the treaty.
The village of Cospaia was stranded between the two greater powers and declared themselves an independent republic. They designed a flag and a coat of arms but instead of an elected government they continued with a vague, unofficial council of elders, which most isolated Italian villages did in those days.
The new republic was ignored by everyone as of little consequence until the arrival of tobacco from America. Cospaia had the ideal climate for growing tobacco and had a near monopoly on tobacco production in the region. This led to a 250 year boom in their economic fortunes and so were glad to be independent. The thriving economy was not lost on the stronger neighbours and as the nineteenth century progressed it was noticeable that Cospaia was becoming a safe haven for all sorts of criminals and undesirables. Eventually action was taken and the people of the republic were wise enough to agree to absorption into the nation of Italy. They changed citizenship without moving!
One day we will move from our designated land of citizenship as death is the great leveller and no one is exempt. Our residence on earth is not permanent and Heaven awaits us if we trust in Jesus. The Bible speaks of a beautiful country where all who love Jesus will reside for ever in harmony, fulfilment and joy.
The hymn writer put it this way:
“There is land that is fairer than day and by faith we can see it afar,
for the Master waits over the way, to prepare us a dwelling place there.”
What a great anticipated delight to know where we are going and looking forward to our place in God’s kingdom. Do you?