“4 John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:4-7 NIV
Our Father,
Who was and is and is to come. John says it so succinctly. Puts You as the maker of history, time and the future. The faithful witness. He has seen it all and speaks only the truth from all angles – not a bias view. The firstborn from the dead. No one else could conquer death. He did and was seen and touched and ate with his disciples after. The ruler of all the kings. King of Kings.
And he is coming back, every eye will see Him. The truth will be known. Before we celebrate Your Son’s birth Father we need to remember there will be a second coming. And like the first wise men we need to be ready to worship. Like the Shepherds come rejoicing recognising our Shepherd. Because we have spent time getting to know Him personally. Like Mary and Joseph willing to do HIs and therefore Your will.
I do not know what that day will be like and there is of course natural fear because it is unknown. But an overwhelming gratitude that my eternity is in Your safe, caring, hands. Faithful witness, king of Kings, Shepherd and Saviour.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Our Father,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family and the plans for Christmas in our churches to draw in new people.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and wise judgements.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East to ceasefire and find an end to the conflicts.
For those in the witness protection to be able to speak truth in safety.
For those who find this time of year challenging. For those who have been bereaved.
For our NHS the help it needs to improve and catch up. For new doctors and nurses training.
For us to worship You, Lord today whatever we do and wherever we are: work, hospital, church, with or away from family, travelling . . .
Worship Sunday 1st December 2024
I haven’t heard this for a while.
I lift my hands to the coming King
To the Great I Am to You I sing
For You’re the One
Who reigns within my heart
Chorus
And I will serve no foreign god
Or any other treasure
You are my heart’s desire
Spirit without measure
Unto Your Name I will bring my sacrifice
Lyrics: Julian André Kempen