TGIF
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
Ezra 1:2-4
It was late October in 2021 when the NSW government announced that we could gather again physically to Church. It had been close to five months of online singing and sermons. In that time, we had launched Village Church but never actually been able to meet physically.
I’m not saying it was the same as what’s going on in Ezra 1, but it’s a taste. For 70 years, Israel has been in exile. Living in a foreign land, according to foreign customs. They haven’t been able to gather as a people for festivals and temple worship.
So you can imagine the feeling of jubilation at this proclamation. But here is my question… how long until those feelings faded.
I wonder if this is kind of where we are at. And not just Village. Back to seeing Church as more of a burden than a blessing. Do you feel that? Back to seeing Church like visiting your grandma - something you need to do but most of the time would prefer not to.
It’s hard to recapture the feeling of a moment. But let’s try and remember how thankful we can be that we get to gather as a Church.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father who governs all things according to His purpose and plan. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who has gathered us together in Him. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others be thankful that we can gather together.
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
Ezra 1:2-4
It was late October in 2021 when the NSW government announced that we could gather again physically to Church. It had been close to five months of online singing and sermons. In that time, we had launched Village Church but never actually been able to meet physically.
I’m not saying it was the same as what’s going on in Ezra 1, but it’s a taste. For 70 years, Israel has been in exile. Living in a foreign land, according to foreign customs. They haven’t been able to gather as a people for festivals and temple worship.
So you can imagine the feeling of jubilation at this proclamation. But here is my question… how long until those feelings faded.
I wonder if this is kind of where we are at. And not just Village. Back to seeing Church as more of a burden than a blessing. Do you feel that? Back to seeing Church like visiting your grandma - something you need to do but most of the time would prefer not to.
It’s hard to recapture the feeling of a moment. But let’s try and remember how thankful we can be that we get to gather as a Church.
For Today:
- What’s your memories of the COVID lockdowns?
- How do you feel about getting to Church on a Sunday?
- Give thanks that we can gather today.
Pray:
Praise the Father who governs all things according to His purpose and plan. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who has gathered us together in Him. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others be thankful that we can gather together.
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