Prepare for Worship | The Ultimate Prize
Last Sunday, College Minister Jason Elvington encouraged us with the truth that King Jesus is making creation new from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.
Read: Matthew 13:44-46
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan Heard will show us that Christ and His Kingdom are worth everything from Matthew 13:44-46. As you prepare for our Sunday gathering, let this devotional from Milton Vincent point you to the ultimate prize of the gospel: God Himself.
Reflect: “The Ultimate Prize”
In the New Testament, the gospel is several times referred to as “the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1; Rom. 15:16; 2 Cor. 11:7; 1 Thess. 2:2, 8-9; 1 Pet. 4:17). Such an expression should be understood in the fullest sense possible. The gospel is called “the gospel of God,” not simply because it is from God, nor merely because it is accomplished through God, but also because ultimately it leads me to God, who is Himself its greatest Prize. Indeed, what makes the gospel such great news is God, who brings me to Himself (Eph. 1:4-5) and then gives Himself so freely to me through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:5; John 14:21).
The essence of eternal life is not found in having my sins forgiven, in possessing a mansion in heaven, or in having streets of gold on which to walk forever. Rather, the essence of eternal life is intimately knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (John 17:3). Everything else that God gives to me in the gospel serves merely to bring me to Himself so that this great end might be achieved. Christ died for the forgiveness of my sins so that I might be brought “to God” (1 Pet. 3:18). Christ is preparing a place for me in heaven so that He might receive me “to [Him] self” and have me forever with Him where He is (John 14:2-3). And yes, there is a great street of gold in heaven, but is there any doubt where the street leads? Unquestionably, it leads straight to the throne of God Himself (Rev. 21:21; 22:1-2), as do all of God’s gifts to me in the gospel.
As I meditate on the gospel each day, I find my thoughts inevitably traveling from the gifts I’ve received to the Giver of those gifts; and the more my thoughts are directed to Him, the more I experience the essence of eternal life. The “gospel of God” is from God, comes through God, and leads me to God (Rom. 11:36); and it is in Him that my soul finds its truest joy and rest (Ps. 16:11; Ps. 37:4; Ps. 73:25-28).
“The Ultimate Prize” in A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent.
Sing: Song List for Sunday
1. “I’ve Got Joy,” Arr. The Worship Initiative
2. “All I Have Is Christ,” by Sovereign Grace Music
3. “Jesus, There’s No One Like You,” by Sovereign Grace Music
4. “My Worth Is Not in What I Own,” Arr. The Worship Initiative
5. “Because of Jesus,” by Charity Gayle