Get With The Program.

(Nigerian Christians praying at The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem/EPA)

Over last weekend's services, Pastor Richie reminded us of Revelation chapter 4. In recounting the worship scene in heaven, our pastor said (and I paraphrase) "There are no bystanders. In that venue, everyone is engrossed in God's program."

Now, interestingly, I had a dream very early on Thursday morning that really helped me to understand what Pastor Richie was saying. In the dream were some leaders from Bronx Bethany. We were each busy planning "our" individual components of a worship service, and we all kept asking each other the same question: "How can we best glorify God? What can we do that will bring Him the most honor?" All our attention, all our energy, was concentrated on pleasing Him by presenting the best worship we were capable of offering.

True worship exalts the One seated on the throne in heaven. "From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder." (Revelation 4:5) Who is this on the throne? This is the glorified Christ, our Victorious King, who gives overcoming believers the right to sit with Him (Revelation 3:21). Wow! We who overcome get this great privilege of being seated with Christ: not only in future glory, but even now (see Ephesians 2:4-6). By His Spirit He gives us the grace needed to overcome, then rewards us for appropriating the work He alone has done... "What wondrous love is this?"

For those of you who have been following Metro West Church of the Nazarene's "Forty Day Kingdom Focus", you will notice that Bronx Bethany and Metro West have been echoing each other. God has been saying the same thing to us all: Give homage and attention to Jesus, the King in the kingdom of God. Immerse yourself in His love, power, righteousness, peace, and joy. Give no room to the evil one. Jesus has all that you need to live the life of an overcomer.

So here we are. I pray that we, like the church in Revelation 3, have come to Christ in a spirit of repentance so that we might enjoy the overcoming life. And, like the company of elders and living creatures in Revelation 4, may we remain completely focused on the adoration of this One: Unique, Holy, Risen, Triumphant, Sovereign... and soon returning.