Who Will Be There!

Sometimes the thing that determines whether or not we will go someplace is who it is we know will be there. Perhaps the decision would then be based on either our own personal desire to go or a sense of duty in that the presence of another specific individual might require our attendance. What is it that draws us to assemble when the church comes together?

The story has been told of a tourist visiting Washington D.C., who called the minister of a church where the President often attended. The tourist wanted to know if the President was expected to worship there that particular Sunday. The minister replied, “That I don’t know for certain, but I can tell you we are expecting God to be here, and we hope His presence will attract a sizeable crowd.” [original source unknown]

Though a worshipful life should not be restricted to an hour or two a week within the confines of a church building, our gathering for the purpose of worshipping together should be seen as a vital part of our Christian walk. However, there are various things that seem to attract people to a worship assembly. For some it’s the physical atmosphere of a grand structure that causes them to feel they are in a very holy place. Others may be attracted by the singing or a particular sermon subject advertised. Still others may be there because of certain individuals they hope to see or simply to be seen themselves. Though our assembling together provides the opportunity to greatly encourage one another (note Hebrews 10:24), how much consideration do we give to the idea of it being one of the places where we as an individual MEET GOD in true worship and praise.

Under the Old Law, when Israel came to the tabernacle -- and then later to the Temple -- the people viewed themselves as coming into THE PRESENCE OF GOD. Under the New we MEET GOD THROUGH CHRIST. Jesus encouraged His disciples regarding HIS PRESENCE when he said. . .

“FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE AM I AMONG THEM.” ( Matthew 18:20 ESV)

Without the presence of each other we would miss something valuable in the fellowship of worship. (i.e. Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24-25) However, let us continually be conscious of OUR LORD’S PRESENCE. Also, we ought to be mindful of our reason for assembling and that the manner in which we worship -- which must be “in spirit and truth” since that is the kind of worshippers the Father seeks ( John 4:23-24) -- is to ultimately PLEASE HIM. Our relationship to the Lord means we also have one with each other as members of His Body (the church), but it is our rightful focus on HIS ABIDING PRESENCE that aids us in keeping everything else in proper perspective. Therefore, since HE WILL BE THERE, let us be also!

Have a great day DESIRING TO BE WHEREVER THE LORD IS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Worship