The Expectant Disciple – Rev 14:1-13
A disciple of Christ is one who is redeemed from the earth. But what hope does this disciple of Christ hold on to, in order to remain faithful and fruitful? St Augustine of Hippo explains how this hope for the future, shapes this disciple: Paraphrased, his statement in essence reads:
“He, who loves the coming of the Lord, is not one who affirms that the return is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. But rather he awaits, whether Christ’s return be far off or near; and expectantly looks forward with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love.”
1. Does being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes make you feel like a remnant? As a disciple of Christ, do you find strength of faith, or do you struggle to live out the Christ-life within your communities?
2. Rev 14:3-5 point to five characteristics of the 144,00 persons of faith. What encouragement can you draw from these values that mark the disciples of Christ? How can we help each other grow in each aspect?
3. What hopes do we have, as disciples of Christ, based on Revelation 14:12-13?