Song Connection: “Say I Won’t” by Mercy Me (Link for Video Here)

Theological Talking Point 1

Christ is the Creator of all things and became a creature Himself, entering into His own creation.

  • By Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth. (All things were created through him and for him (Col 1:15-17).
  • In Christ we see what it means to be both truly divine and truly human (Col 2:9).
  • Christ is above all things, yet came down from heaven for us and for our salvation.
  • The Christ-centered story of creation and salvation includes me and all creatures.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  – Colossians 1:15-17

Devotion

Well, you have almost made it to the Gathering, and perhaps you are tired already!  You haven’t even left the parking lot and you are already anticipating all that could go wrong: a late start, conflicts enroute, arguments over food stops, someone even got sick on the bus! (add your own) And these kids!  Sally with the attitude, John the know it all, Fred the forgetful, and Jenny the fashionista.

Christ is the Creator of all things???  Have you seen these kids?? I wouldn’t do any bragging!

And yet our Lord does more than brag – The Creator enters into His Creation to redeem (buy back) the lost.  Yes, He knows about Sally, John, Fred, Jenny and YOU!  His love was so great that He humbled Himself to enter back into His creation and take on the sins of the whole world including yours.  From the beginning of time, our God has been. And if He has been from before time began, doesn’t it make sense that He will continue to be “In All Things” through the Gathering?

So perhaps now is a good time to stop, take a deep breath, and reflect on Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in 1:9-14

 “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

The Gathering provides an excellent opportunity to get to know your students’ “stories.” Get to know them better, find out about their world, their struggles and their opportunities.  You have been blessed by God to be part of their “story”.  Take advantage of the opportunity to be used by the Spirit to help your students grow!

I want you to know that since last August I have been praying for you! The logo of the Gathering hangs above my desk, reminding me to pray for you in your preparations.  Not by name or by church, but by the calling God has given you to bring your group to this event, and that through it you may be strengthened, in wisdom and understanding to bear fruit in both you and your students.

It may not be fruit you see today, or on this trip, but we are, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light!

In this “dark world” there is Light! And Sally, John, Fred, Jenny and YOU have the opportunity to grow in and through that redemption and love!  May the Lord fill you with that love today and in the days ahead as you grow.

May You grant to me the wisdom to reach out in Your love, that I “may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding!”  Be with all other leaders as well Lord, that through your love we grow in You “In ALL Things” in the week ahead!  Bless us to that end in Jesus’ Name!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Thank You for getting us safely to the Gathering!  We may have already had some bumps, or perhaps the bumps are still to come.  With those times Lord, fill me with patience and love that only You can provide.  Help me to grow, “In All Things” over the next few days.  And as I grow, Lord, please help me with… (list your needs).  And I give You thanks for (my thanksgiving to God)