Introduction
In Hebrews chapter 12, we're reminded of the purpose and mission that God has set before us as His people. This message invites us to reflect on the significance of our gatherings and the essence of our identity as a church. It presents three key questions to help us explore who we are individually and collectively, while ultimately shedding light on what it means to be on mission for God.
Main Points
The Writer Of Hebrews Opens With
The writer of Hebrews opens with a powerful metaphor of running a race, reminding us that we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses." This cloud represents those who have gone before us in faith, encouraging us to endure and persevere despite the challenges we face. Just as runners must focus on the finish line, we too must understand our calling as part of the race set before us by God.
- This understanding reshapes our gathering, focusing it on a greater purpose than ourselves, an essential truth for every church and believer.
- Together, we carry our unique burdens, but we also possess the power to lay aside what weighs us down, enabling us to run with endurance.
- As we consider the race we're running, it is vital to ask ourselves: who are we in this journey?
- Reflecting on Jesus' teaching in Luke 14, we recognize that God desires His house to be filled with guests from all walks of life.
This Begs The Question Of Our
This begs the question of our role: Are we merely gathering, or are we actively inviting others into the feast? We have to cultivate a responsive relationship with God, allowing Him to guide our paths and challenge us to seek out those who are often overlooked.
- The urgency of His invitation calls us to action, prompting us to serve as the obedient servants who carry His message of love and grace to the broken and marginalized.
- In our mission, we must not overlook the theme of brokenness.
- Many of us come from backgrounds filled with hurt, disappointment, and struggle.
- It is often in this brokenness that we find an openness to God’s invitation to participate in His banquet.
Reflecting On The Parable S Illustration
Reflecting on the parable's illustration of the servant finding the broken, the poor, and the outcast, we see that their need for belonging aligns with our call to extend God’s love. When we recognize our own brokenness, it becomes a gateway, not a hindrance, enabling us to invite others to experience the healing and restoration that only God can provide. The teaching culminates in a challenge for us to consider who is next. As we gather and reflect on our identity and mission, we must ask God to open our eyes to those around us who are in need. This includes not only individuals who meet certain criteria but also those who may feel overlooked or forgotten in society. The mission extends beyond our walls as we seek to embrace those who need to hear the Gospel.
God Is Calling Us To Fill
God is calling us to fill the empty seats, both physically in the church and through the lives of individuals yearning for community and hope. Reflecting on our journeys allows us to understand our unique testimonies as integral parts of God's narrative. Each one of us has a story that could lead another towards redemption. Our gatherings become powerful not merely when we engage in worship but when we share our lives with one another and with those outside our church. In our vulnerability, we can connect with others, illustrating that the race we run isn't just about personal achievement but communal flourishing under God's grace. As we contemplate the race, we also need to focus on the joy set before us, joy that transcends our circumstances.
Just As Jesus Endured The Cross
Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy of our salvation, we too can fix our eyes on the eternal hope He has given us. Understanding that everything we do in our gatherings and mission is undergirded by joy enables us to move forward boldly and with purpose. It redefines our endurance and invites us to live out our faith authentically in every aspect of our lives.
Conclusion
This exploration of our identity, purpose, and mission serves as a potent reminder of the profound call that we have as a church and as individual believers. We are not just spectators in a race but active participants in a divine mission crafted by God. As we lift our eyes towards the finish line, may we recognize that our brokenness, testimony, and response to God’s call are vital components of filling His house with joy and love. Let us continue to invite those around us, extend our hands in service, and embrace the race God has set before us.