On the first day of each week the original disciples who constituted the first visible representation of Christ after His ascension, would gather together for time with one another in worship of God and mutual service to one another. This has been the pattern for two thousand years and I am reminded each week of some things that are important when I gather with those who comprise the Meadow family.
- I have been united for eternity with all others who are in Christ
- It is no drudgery to meet with these people. The more I could meet with in Christ’s church, the better. Though I cannot gather with all the Church, I can gather with some and this is a great privilege.
- Not only have I been given something precious from Christ (salvation), I myself have been given by Him to others (service & sacrifice). I am not my own and would hate to display indifference to this cardinal truth by declining to meet with the saints on Sundays.
- Corporate worship is an incredible opportunity to experience in microcosm what will be experienced in eternity in a mind-blowing, indescribable gathering in the presence of the Savior.
- Jesus Christ has made me a servant and Sundays afford me the greatest opportunity to serve the people of God. Happily, my service is not limited to Sundays but what a waste it would be if I passed over the weekly gathering of God’s people. They will gather together, why would I not want to avail myself of this great occasion to pour out my life unto them?
- Sundays afford me the opportunity to see visually the diversity of God’s people. I am white and young but Heaven will not be white and young. I am expressive and passionate but there are many precious saints who are reserved and quiet. I am called to lead but innumerable fruitful saints are ordained to follow. I am NOT the full representation of what it means to be a follower of Christ and Sundays allow me to witness this truth before my very eyes.
- Together is better than solo. If there is one thing that is clear in Scripture it is the plan of God which calls each person out individually to Himself as He then immediately deposits them into a greater whole. I was never meant to be a maverick, doing my own thing with God, having no connection to others whom He has saved. I not only belong to God…I belong to you.
I could add numerous other points but I am comforted in pondering these today. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of living in a land where we can gather together. Thank you for making us servants to one another. Thank you for the privilege of corporate worship. Please forbid that anything would ever be allowed to take root in my heart which would diminish my esteem of Sunday gatherings. Praise be to You that you are not limited to a local gathering place but, praise be to You, that you have not invalidated those places either!