Facing culture changes culture
Revelation 4:6 In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” New International Version
The Ox is the symbol of a servant
The “Face of the Ox” reminds us that we are called to serve
Church
Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” New International Version
Proverbs 14:4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. New Living Translation
The “Face of the Ox” reminds us that we are called to serve
The World
1 Corinthians 9:19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. New International Version
Serving people impacts people
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. New International Version
Man is the symbol of humility
The “Face of Man” reminds us to remember our roots
Titus 3:1 Remind your people to obey the government and its officers, and always to be obedient and ready for any honest work. 2 They must not speak evil of anyone, nor quarrel, but be gentle and truly courteous to all. 3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient; we were misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures and wicked desires. Our lives were full of resentment and envy. We hated others and they hated us. The Living Bible
The “Face of Man” reminds us why we’re different
Titus 3:4 But when the time came for the kindness and love of God our Savior to appear, 5 then he saved us - not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity - by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness - and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did 7 so that he could declare us good in God’s eyes - all because of his great kindness; and now we can share in the wealth of the eternal life he gives us, and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving it. 8 These things I have told you are all true. Insist on them so that Christians will be careful to do good deeds all the time, for this is not only right, but it brings results. The Living Bible
The “Face of Man” reminds us to be gracious
Colossians 4:5 Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. 6 Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone. The Living Bible
The Eagle is the symbol of freedom.
Isaiah 40:28 Don’t you yet understand? Don’t you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. 30 Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. The Living Bible
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. The Living Bible
The Lion is the symbol of boldness (Proverbs 28:1)