Song Connection: “We Praise You and Acknowledge You” (Link for Video Here)

Theological Talking Point Five

Christ promises to return to restore all things and make His reign explicit for all to see.

  • What is now hidden will soon be revealed for all to see (Col 3:4).
  • On that day the Christian story will be revealed to all (to the joy of some and the eternal regret of others) as the story of everything (Col 3:4; Phil 2:7-11).
  • On that day, the risen and glorified Jesus will usher in His never-ending reign as King over His restored and perfected creation.
  • Until that day, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28).

Devotion

“Be There!”

Those two words hang above the youth room door in our church as a reminder to them of one of my favorite expressions, “Be There!”  In many a devotion or Bible study they hear that after 41 years of ministry and approaching retirement, I may get to heaven before them.  If that is the case, and if they remember one thing about me, I want it to be that phrase – “Be There!”  As we have had the opportunity to witness thousands of Lutheran youth worshiping, growing, and witnessing together over the course of a week, won’t it be awesome to experience God’s Glory together again in heaven.  Yet as we prepare to leave the mountaintop experience we have had in Houston our work is not yet completed.  I am reminded of the last verse of the hymn – “Tis Good Lord to be Here.” –

How good, Lord, to be here!
Yet we may not remain;
But since you bid us leave the mount,
Come with us to the plain.

We now prepare to the Gathering and return back to our stories at home, church & work.  Our prayer is that we take the message of this week. With us as we step back into those stories.  Also, we encourage our youth to take that same message & incorporate it into their stories as they bear witness and grow in the truth as well.

One of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, shares a wonderful story about how we are to respond to the Glory of God:

“The moon models our role. What does the moon do? She generates no light. Contrary to the lyrics of the song, this harvest moon cannot shine on. Apart from the sun, the moon is nothing more than a pitch-black, pockmarked rock. But properly positioned, the moon beams. Let her do what she was made to do, and a clod of dirt becomes a source of inspiration, yea, verily, romance. The moon reflects the greater light. And she’s happy to do so! You never hear the moon complaining. She makes no waves about making waves. Let the cow jump over her or astronauts step on her; she never objects. Even though sunning is accepted while mooning is the butt of bad jokes, you won’t hear ol’ Cheeseface grumble. The moon is at peace in her place. And because she is, soft light touches a dark earth.

What would happen if we accepted our place as Son reflectors?”

– Max Lucado from It’s Not About Me

I pray that as we attend the Gathering and return home we AREpockmarked” Son reflectors, bearing witness to the glory of God that we have experienced in a small way this week.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”  – 1 Corinthians 13:12

May we in our work with youth, church, family, friends, and work be “Son reflectors” in the light of His glory, praying that we may bear witness to that glory, so that: We will…

“BE THERE!”

To experience God’s glory to its fullest in heaven! Solo Deo Gloria!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we give You all thanks and praise that You have blessed us this week in all our activities, both good and not so good.  Your hand has led us and Your love has supported us!  We pray that You will continue to be with us as we prepare to leave and go back to our “stories” at home.   May You fill us with Your Spirit, that we become tools for You to use to share Your glory and love with others!  In Your Son’s Name we pray!  Amen.