Seeking Direction: A Journey Toward God's Kingdom

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, much like Alice in Wonderland, unsure of which path to take. This uncertainty is mirrored in our spiritual lives, where the question of direction and purpose is paramount. The story of Alice and the Cheshire Cat reminds us that without a clear destination, the path we choose is inconsequential. This is a lesson echoed in the world of business, where success is often tied to having clearly defined goals and a focused direction.

In our spiritual journey, the Bible offers us guidance, yet its vastness can sometimes obscure the central message. The prophet Micah simplifies this by asking, "What does the Lord require of me?" The answer is profound in its simplicity: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. This encapsulates the essence of a godly life, urging us to pursue righteousness, embody steadfast love, and maintain humility in our walk with God.

Jesus further distills this message in the New Testament, urging us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." This call to seek is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit. It is about prioritizing our spiritual journey above all else, much like the characters in The Wizard of Oz, each seeking something vital to their existence. Our ultimate goal, as Christians, is to live Coram Deo—before the face of God. This means living with the awareness that we are always in God's presence, striving to honor Him in all we do.

The analogy of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men beautifully illustrates our role as Christians. We are loyal subjects of a King who is currently absent but will return in glory. Our task is to remain faithful, living joyfully in anticipation of His return, and bearing witness to His kingdom. This is the essence of seeking first the kingdom of God, living with the hope and assurance that our King will one day return to reign in full glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Direction: Just as Alice needed a destination to determine her path, we need a clear spiritual goal. Without it, our journey lacks purpose. In our faith, this means seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness as our ultimate destination. [01:26]

- Micah's Call to Action: The prophet Micah simplifies the complex teachings of the Bible into three actionable steps: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. These principles guide us in living a life that honors God and reflects His character. [11:59]

- The Lifelong Pursuit of God: Finding Christ is not the end of our spiritual journey but the beginning. Jesus calls us to continually seek God's kingdom, emphasizing that our faith is an ongoing pursuit of His presence and righteousness. [16:29]

- Living Coram Deo: To live Coram Deo is to live consciously in the presence of God, aware that our actions are visible to Him. This awareness should motivate us to live lives that honor God, knowing that we are always under His gaze. [27:22]

- Anticipating the King's Return: Like Robin Hood's loyalty to King Richard, we are called to remain faithful to Christ, our absent King. We live in anticipation of His return, striving to uphold His kingdom's values and bearing witness to His reign. [42:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Alice in Wonderland: A Lesson in Direction
- [02:07] - The Importance of Goals in Life
- [03:17] - The Wizard of Oz: Seeking Our Desires
- [06:09] - Following the Yellow Brick Road
- [07:33] - Lessons from City Slickers
- [09:28] - The One Thing: Finding Our Purpose
- [10:27] - The Complexity of Christian Faith
- [11:59] - Micah's Simple Answer
- [14:52] - Jesus' Call to Seek First
- [16:29] - The Lifelong Pursuit of God
- [19:19] - Understanding 'Seek First'
- [21:22] - Luther's Coram Deo
- [23:11] - The Beatific Vision
- [26:12] - Living in God's Presence
- [31:05] - The Challenge of Seeking God's Kingdom
- [33:42] - The Tale of Robin Hood
- [41:54] - Anticipating the King's Return
- [44:12] - The Big Idea: Seek First the Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
2. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the Cheshire Cat's response to Alice reveal about the importance of having a clear destination in life? [00:59]
2. How does the story of The Wizard of Oz illustrate the pursuit of personal goals and desires? [05:29]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three things that Micah says the Lord requires of us? [11:59]
4. How does the analogy of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men relate to the Christian life and the anticipation of the King's return? [42:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "seeking first the kingdom of God" challenge the priorities in a believer's life? [16:29]
2. In what ways does living "Coram Deo" (before the face of God) influence a Christian's daily actions and decisions? [27:22]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the absence of a clear spiritual goal can affect a believer's journey of faith? [01:26]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of loyalty and steadfast love in a believer's relationship with God and others? [13:38]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt at a crossroads in your spiritual journey. How did you determine which path to take, and what role did prayer or scripture play in your decision? [00:29]
2. Consider the three requirements from Micah 6:8. Which of these do you find most challenging to live out, and why? [11:59]
3. How can you actively seek God's kingdom in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can prioritize this pursuit. [16:29]
4. What does living "Coram Deo" mean for you personally? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your everyday activities? [27:22]
5. In what ways can you demonstrate loyalty and steadfast love to those around you this week? Think of a specific relationship where you can apply this. [13:38]
6. How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your current lifestyle and choices? What changes might you need to make to live more faithfully in light of this hope? [42:40]
7. Identify a distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on your spiritual goals. What steps can you take this week to minimize its impact? [01:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Direction
In our spiritual journey, having a clear direction is crucial. Just as Alice in Wonderland found herself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, we too can feel lost without a defined spiritual goal. The story of Alice and the Cheshire Cat teaches us that without a clear destination, the path we choose is inconsequential. In our faith, this means seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness as our ultimate destination. This pursuit gives our lives purpose and direction, ensuring that our journey is meaningful and aligned with God's will. [01:26]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: What specific spiritual goal can you set today to ensure your journey is purposeful and aligned with God's will?


Day 2: Micah's Call to Action
The prophet Micah simplifies the complex teachings of the Bible into three actionable steps: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. These principles guide us in living a life that honors God and reflects His character. By doing justly, we commit to fairness and integrity in our interactions. Loving mercy calls us to show compassion and kindness to others, while walking humbly with God reminds us of our dependence on Him. These actions are not just moral imperatives but are central to our spiritual growth and witness to the world. [11:59]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: In what ways can you practice justice, mercy, and humility in your daily interactions this week?


Day 3: The Lifelong Pursuit of God
Finding Christ is not the end of our spiritual journey but the beginning. Jesus calls us to continually seek God's kingdom, emphasizing that our faith is an ongoing pursuit of His presence and righteousness. This call to seek is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else. Like the characters in The Wizard of Oz, each seeking something vital to their existence, we are called to seek God's kingdom as our ultimate goal. This pursuit requires dedication, perseverance, and a heart that longs to be in God's presence. [16:29]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What daily habit can you establish to ensure you are continually seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness?


Day 4: Living Coram Deo
To live Coram Deo is to live consciously in the presence of God, aware that our actions are visible to Him. This awareness should motivate us to live lives that honor God, knowing that we are always under His gaze. Living Coram Deo means acknowledging God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives and striving to reflect His character in our actions. It is a call to live with integrity, knowing that we are accountable to God for our thoughts, words, and deeds. This mindset transforms our daily lives, encouraging us to live with purpose and intentionality. [27:22]

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's presence throughout your day, and how might this awareness change your actions?


Day 5: Anticipating the King's Return
Like Robin Hood's loyalty to King Richard, we are called to remain faithful to Christ, our absent King. We live in anticipation of His return, striving to uphold His kingdom's values and bearing witness to His reign. This anticipation is not passive but active, requiring us to live joyfully and faithfully as we await His return. Our task is to remain loyal subjects, living in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom and sharing the hope of His return with others. This hope gives us strength and purpose, motivating us to live lives that honor our King. [42:40]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: How can you actively live out the values of God's kingdom today, in anticipation of Christ's return?

Quotes

"There's an episode in the story of Alice in Wonderland. If you recall that Alice is traveling by herself and she comes down a path, and she comes to a fork in the road, and as she comes to this fork in the road, she's completely bewildered. She doesn't know whether to go to the left or to go to the right. And while she standing there trying to figure out which fork she's supposed to take, her attention is drawn up to the tree, and she notices the Cheshire Cat sitting up in the tree with his diabolical grin." [00:00:08]

"If we have no destination fixed in our minds, what possible difference can it be which way we go. You know, one of the central concerns in modern business, and particularly when we experience economic crises, depressions and recessions and that sort of thing, is the question of focus. In our day, management by objective, people like Peter Drucker and the rest, has become the order of the times. And, the business leaders are told again and again that if you are going to be successful in whatever endeavor you're engaged, you must have clearly defined goals." [00:01:26]

"The Christian faith is complicated. The Bible is a thick book. It's filled with admonitions, instructions and directions for the pursuit of happiness, for relief from guilt, for praise, for worship, for adoration, for all of these things. But sometimes, there's so much there in the forest, so many trees, I should say, that we miss the forest. And, people come to me again and again, and they'll say something like this, 'R.C., what's the big idea? What really is the big idea? What is that one, that single overarching issue that God wants each one of us to pursue?'" [00:10:27]

"In the last in the Old Testament, the question was raised by the prophet Micah, you remember, 'What does the Lord require of me?' You said you want a simple answer. You want a bottom line. What does the Lord require of you? 'But to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' That's what the life of godliness is about in a nutshell. To do justly, what does that mean? That means simply, that a Christian is a person whose life is supposed to be characterized by an earnest pursuit of doing what is right." [00:11:59]

"And it is expressed by Jesus, when Jesus reduces all the activity and the requirements of Christianity to its bare minimum by saying this, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things,' that is, everything else, 'will be added unto you.' Seek first. Alright, let's look at that. Two words I want you to see here. 'Seek,' and then, the word, 'first.' Dorothy said, 'I'm trying to find the wizard, but in order to get to the wizard I have to find him first, and in order to find him, I have to pursue him.'" [00:14:52]

"No, ladies and gentlemen, the beginning of seeking the kingdom of God is at our conversion. That's when we start seeking God. And when Jesus is saying, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,' He's not saying, He's not speaking to pagans, who hopefully at the end of their pursuit, at the end of their quest, they will discover Christ and be converted. No. No, no, no. This is the priority of the Christian life. The priority of the Christian life is to seek, to seek. We are seekers." [00:16:29]

"Think of the way Jesus expressed the kingdom of God in the parables. He said, 'The kingdom of God is like a coin that is lost by an impoverished woman.' He doesn't tell the story of a fabulously wealthy miser who mislays one coin, who wouldn't even miss that coin. But all of this woman's wealth is contained in one tiny coin, and she loses it. 'What does she do?' says Jesus. 'She turns the house upside down. She sweeps every nook, every cranny. She searches under the bed, in the cupboard, under the clothes, any place that she can find, because she's not going to stop this pursuit until she finds what she's looking for.'" [00:17:19]

"In the 16th century, Luther tried to reduce all of the Christian life to one single idea. The big idea, according to Luther, was that the Christian is called to live all of life, Coram Deo. This was the theme of Luther's quest. If somebody would've looked at the life of Martin Luther, and said, 'Luther, what is your purpose statement for your organization? What is the purpose statement for your life? What is that one idea that you have learned?' And Luther would've said, 'My one idea, is Coram Deo.'" [00:21:22]

"Coram Deo means, 'before the face of God,' or, 'in the presence of God.' Luther said, 'You know what I want? I want to see the face of God.' Isn't that the highest vocation, the greatest desire and the most marvelous promise that God gives in sacred Scripture, where He says that the ultimate goal of human existence will be fulfilled in what is called in theology, the beatific vision. The beatific vision, is a vision of blessedness. It is the vision that carries with it, and instantly communicates the deepest possible level of fulfillment to the human heart, the fullest expression and satisfaction of the soul of a human being." [00:23:11]

"That's what we live for ladies and gentlemen. And that's what Luther was getting at when he said that all of life is to be lived Coram Deo, before the face of God. Now, that had two sides to it. On the one hand, it means being motivated by a desire to see the face of God, but all the while we are pursuing and seeking after the face of God, we realize that everything that we do is visible to Him. He may not be visible to us, but we are certainly visible to Him." [00:26:12]

"I love that story because for me, that simple legend of Robin Hood captures the essence of the Christian life, because as we seek the kingdom of God first, we know that our King is absent. He has gone away on a sacred mission, and when He went, He did not abandon His authority. Indeed, he is the just King of this nation, but those who are loyal to Him become outcasts and are forced to live in the woods and in the forests of this culture. But yet they band together as happy people, delighting in singing their praises to their King, and living for the day when their King will return." [00:42:40]

"That's the big idea, to live Coram Deo, to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you." [00:44:12]

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Transcript
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