Why do we gather?
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Psalm 133 (NIV)
So, why do we gather? I have 5 key points to answer this question.
The number 1 reason is to Worship our triune God. To raise our collective voices in song. To be washed over by the reading of God’s word. To hear the inspiring messages that the appointed speakers bring. My mind goes to the doxology that we often close our services:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! AMEN
The second reason is the Family Reunion. Isn’t it a blessing to pick up on old relationships? It’s like time and distance have no effect as we pick up with the people we love. And then the openness to new friendships and welcoming others into the GCI circle. We are GCI!
Point 3, we need Fellowship. We need it for joy & laughter. We also need it for lament and tears. The Bible instructs us to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and to grieve with those who are grieving. And notice this, even Ministers need to receive ministering. At our gatherings this summer I witnessed participants praying over pastors, and the Body of Christ being the Body of Christ. It was a beautiful expression that really moved me.
Point 4, is to be Centred on what the triune God is doing with us individually and collectively. We all need to hear from the Lord, and yes, he whispers to us in our prayer closets, but I believe that he speaks boldly to us when we gather as the church body. Then as we collectively experience worship, fellowship, and messages we find uniting themes that join us more closely. I also believe that there will be a handful of special nuggets, a new understanding or transformative experience, for each participant. Always listen for and open to mining for these nuggets.
The final point is to return home renewed and rededicated. Our triune God gathers his people and then he sends his people. We are to be like salt and light. Light that is pure and clear always pointing and guiding to Jesus. Salt as a seasoning and preserving agent, in other words, living as kingdom citizens pointing toward the eternal kingdom of God.
I think our header scripture, Psalm 133, encapsulates these 5 points that I have shared.
Adapted from the President’s Update, first published on 4/9/24 in the GCI Update
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Study by: Greg Williams About the author: |
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