If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col. 3:1–4
Lord Jesus, spending this past week visiting church planters in Scotland and England has done two things for my heart. One, it has greatly encouraged me about the future of your church in the U.K., and world. What an amazing group of leaders we get to walk with and support. Secondly, this trip has increased my appreciation, need, and dependence on GPS. We could have easily lost our way around the U. K. at least 10 times a day, without the aid of modern technology. I praise you for satellites, smartphones, and apps.
Much more so, I’m grateful today for the gospel as the ultimate and uber-GPS. For there’s no lost-ness like life without you, Jesus, just a life of meandering from mirage to mirage, through side roads and back roads to dead ends. But, hallelujah, the gospel isn’t merely our GPS; it’s also the, motivation, vehicle, and fuel that gets us safely Home.
And in reality, you are our Home, Jesus, our destination and delight, our current oasis and final country, our greatest need and our deepest longing, our perfect righteousness, and our eternal peace. Yes, you are the gospel, Jesus, and we choose to reset our hearts on you this morning. No one, and nothing else, is worthy of our heart’s affection, adoration, and allegiance—only you.
Keep us centered on you in a world of distractions. Don’t just be our North Star, but our entire universe. Keep us childlike and kind, in a culture of meanness. Gentle us with your grace, compel us with your love, and fill us with your compassion. And keep us hope-full and expectant, in an era of doubt and cynicism. Though not apparent to the naked eye, you are presently making all things new. Hallelujah! So very Amen we pray, in your matchless and merciful name we pray.