In 1956 five young missionaries died by spears in the jungle of Ecuador, and a decade earlier Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged on a Nazi gallows, was it worth it? With this question the sermon takes us to chapter 20 of the Apocalypse (Revelation 20), where John shows the dragon bound, thrones prepared for the faithful, and the judgment before the great white throne. This vision was written not to frighten but to comfort: Satan has already lost, and God is the Lord of history who has prepared a place at his side for those who endure. Listen and answer the question for yourself, is it worth it?
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- John wrote Revelation as an exile on Patmos to Christians who were told to offer incense to Caesar or stop speaking about Jesus. How might they have heard the vision of the dragon being bound in Revelation 20:1-3?
- Whom does John see seated on thrones in Revelation 20:4-6, and what does the promise that the second death has no power over them mean?
- The sermon compared Satan's situation to the Normandy landings: the enemy still fights, but his fate is sealed. How does this truth change the way you look at the evil you experience?
- Among those on the thrones are also people who could not buy or sell, people who lost their comfort. Where does faithfulness to God cost you convenience or the approval of others?
- Jim Elliot wrote that he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose, and Bonhoeffer said before his death: this is the end, but for me the beginning of life. What do these words tell you about what is truly worth your life?
- In what specific situation this week are you facing the question "is it worth it," and what will help you answer that it is?
