At the big start this morning we heard about rejoicing ALWAYS, praying CONTINUALLY and giving thanks in ALL circumstances, (check out 1 Thessolonians 5).
This can be really hard! Times can be tough, and we are easily distracted. Following Jesus is likely to mean trouble at some point, in fact Jesus even said there would be. So how do we keep going amid the knock backs, the disappointments and the opposition?
We allow ourselves to be filled with UNLIMITED HOPE. This morning, in our venue, the throne of God descended to be among the thrones of his people (OLD PEOPLE, ask your young people what happened with Veronica Campbell Webb(s) and Bob this morning).
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21)
We are on the winning side. Although we live in a time where the kingdom is coming but hasn't come in its fullness, we look forward to Jesus' return and him making 'all things new'; bringing into completion what he and his church have started. Realising this should spur us on, in an act of love, to prepare ourselves and this world as a beautiful bride ready to welcome the Jesus, the bride-groom.
So, what exacly are we supposed to do when we recognise and enter into UNLIMITED HOPE:
Sit back and relax, do nothing and wait, becasue Jesus will come and solve it all one day? - No, no, no! We have the honour and privillage of joining in with the preparation for the full reunification of heaven and earth - what an adventure that is! It was always God's intetion to work in partnership with humans - Jesus has made a way for us to enter back in to that partnership.
OK, so, we work like crazy as if it all depends on us? Also no! We have an UNLIMITED GOD that has birthed a new UNLIMITEDLY CONNECTED community/family (OLD PEOPLE, ask your young people what the first effect of the cross was) that has UNLIMITED ACCESS and therefore UNLIMITED POTENTAL. As the family of the church prays and lives prophetically together with Holy Spirit in our midst, the work of the kingdom is done. It's not down to one person or church leaders or 'missionaries'. All of us, together, play our part, using the gifts God has given to us to see our UNLIMITED HOPE be made known across the universe!
Now this is both exciting and liberating!
OLD PEOPLE
- How are you, with your young people, going to record all that the Lord has done in your lives here at Spring Harvest this week?
- How can this keep re-kindling hope when you are in the tougher seasons?
- What can you do with your young people to keep alive the hope of God's Kingdom coming in its fullness?
- What are you modelling to your young people. . .
- Do you need to stop waiting around and start preparing creation for his return?
- Are you too busy in activity and needing to recognise the rhythms of God's grace, the blessing of community and the importance of making use of UNLIMITED ACCESS as you 'pitch a tent'?