Ascend: An 11-Day Devotional With Red Rocks WorshipSample

HOPE OF THE WORLD

The church is shaped by the anthems it declares together. The words we sing and profess become a part of us, shaping how we view our Creator and the creation we have been called to steward. “Hope of the World” was written to galvanize and enrich the local church. It shares the foundational truth of who Jesus is and what he has done, and then calls the Body of Christ to respond with embodied praise and wholehearted devotion. The Church has been commissioned to show the world what Jesus is like. We are called to distinction, to holiness, and to cause the surrounding culture to wonder about the King who sits enthroned upon our hearts. Everyone will certainly show their allegiance to something by what they worship. In a world that has crowned many kings, the Church is unique because we have one King, and we live submitted to that kingdom. In this way our praise becomes political, declaring to the world who we know to be in charge, and what kind of kingdom has come. This song boldly declares who we worship, why we worship, and what we believe. It is meant to propel the church into action, mission, and trust because we carry the message which brings hope to the world— this is our defining quality and holy purpose!

1. In our current society, we are no stranger to the reality that the world may not always associate the Church with the Good News we are meant to embody. What are some tangible ways that you can personify hope in the places you occupy? What does holy distinction look like for you in the environments God has strategically put you in?
2. It’s easy for our hearts to become distracted in our oversaturated, fast-paced world. Take a quick assessment— based on where the energies of your life are directed, what would you say you have put on the throne of your life? Listen through this song and remind your soul of who your King is, and where your hope and trust belong.

VIDEO BLURB: The church is supposed to show the world what Jesus is like. We are to be distinct - to cause the surrounding culture to wonder about the King who sits enthroned upon our hearts. Everyone shows their allegiance to something by what they worship. In a world that has crowned many kings, the Church is unique because we have one King, and we live submitted to that kingdom. In this way our praise becomes political, declaring to the world who we know to be in charge, and what kind of kingdom has come. We carry the message which brings hope to the world— this is our defining quality and holy purpose!