Mission - Making disciples of Jesus
Reflect or discuss:
How would you answer if an unbelieving friend asked you, “Why do you go to church?”
Read:
Revelation 4-5
Watch:
Questions for reflection/discussion:
What impressions are we given of the one who sits on the throne in chapter 4?
Why is the one on the throne worthy to be worshipped?
In Chapter 5, and amazing change occurs. Who is now being worshipped in God’s heavenly throne room? Why is he worthy to be worshipped?
What does this tell us about what is at the centre of God’s plans and purposes for his world?
An illustration:
When we pack the boot of the car for a holiday, there is a certain order to it.
The big, solid, immovable things need to go in first. For me (Andrew), that means the bike and the coffee machine. Once they are in place, everything else has to fit around them. The soft and squishy things… the sleeping bags, pillows, clothes, my wife’s knitting… they can be tucked into the gaps around the edges.
In many ways, that is how we arrange our lives.
Something always goes in first. Something takes the central, immovable place. Then everything else has to fit around it.
For some of us, career goes in first. For others, it might be the mortgage, lifestyle, family plans, comfort, success, or the kind of life we have always imagined for ourselves. And then, once those things are settled, we try to fit Jesus in around the edges.
A life spent magnifying Jesus cannot allow him to be treated like a soft pillow to be squeezed into whatever space is left.
In Revelation 4–5, we are given a vision of reality as it truly is. At the centre of the universe is the throne of God, and at the centre of God’s purposes is the Lamb who was slain and is worthy of all honour, worship, and obedience.
That means Jesus does not belong on the edge of life. He belongs at the centre.
So belonging to Jesus means reordering our lives around him. His kingdom goes in first. His lordship sets the shape. Everything else — our work, money, relationships, homes, plans, ambitions, and comforts — must find their place around him.
As you think about your plans for next year (or the next 10 years) what have you ‘packed in’ first?
How does the vision of ultimate reality in Revelation 4 & 5 shape how we think about our Sunday gatherings as a church?
How do you go at spending time with God each day?
Any resources you’ve found helpful?
Personal commitment (between you and God):
I commit to seeking to love God at City on a Hill by:
Gathering and engaging with God and my church family each Sunday.
Prioritising engaging personally with God every day.