S.O.S.
“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. 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. 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
Israel hadn’t gathered in the temple for 70 years. They hadn’t been a people together for 70 years, just isolated families and groups in far-flung places around the Babylonian (now Persian) Empire. But now, they can gather again in Jerusalem, in God’s place with His people.
I remember our first physical gathering as Village Church. We had been in lockdown for months. Hadn’t seen each other's faces except through zoom. Some of us didn’t even really know each other at all. But then, by God’s grace, we were able to gather physically and it was wonderful.
But one day. We will be gathered together with ALL of God’s people. With the ancients like Abraham, Joseph & Moses. With the Apostles like Paul, Peter, Stephen & James. With the saints of history like Augustine, Athanasius, Martin Luther & John Calvin. With people from every nation on earth. What a celebration. What a wonder that will be.
Most of all, we will be gathered with our Lord Jesus Christ and with the Father and the Spirit.
That’s what’s coming. But today, as we gather together as our little physical expression of God’s invisible Church. We should remember the significance of what we do. We point towards that future hope. As we work together, talk together, encourage and love one another, as people from all walks of life are gathered. We are reminded of our hope and what it is we look forward to.
For Today:
Pray:
Ezra 1:2-4
Israel hadn’t gathered in the temple for 70 years. They hadn’t been a people together for 70 years, just isolated families and groups in far-flung places around the Babylonian (now Persian) Empire. But now, they can gather again in Jerusalem, in God’s place with His people.
I remember our first physical gathering as Village Church. We had been in lockdown for months. Hadn’t seen each other's faces except through zoom. Some of us didn’t even really know each other at all. But then, by God’s grace, we were able to gather physically and it was wonderful.
But one day. We will be gathered together with ALL of God’s people. With the ancients like Abraham, Joseph & Moses. With the Apostles like Paul, Peter, Stephen & James. With the saints of history like Augustine, Athanasius, Martin Luther & John Calvin. With people from every nation on earth. What a celebration. What a wonder that will be.
Most of all, we will be gathered with our Lord Jesus Christ and with the Father and the Spirit.
That’s what’s coming. But today, as we gather together as our little physical expression of God’s invisible Church. We should remember the significance of what we do. We point towards that future hope. As we work together, talk together, encourage and love one another, as people from all walks of life are gathered. We are reminded of our hope and what it is we look forward to.
For Today:
- Who is one person you want to meet in the new creation?
- Do you see the significance of gathering with God’s people?
- Encourage someone today to get to the Gathering!
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His grace in gathering people in and under Christ.
- Give thanks for Jesus, the banner that we gather behind.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others gather joyfully with each other in future hope.
Posted in Save Our Sundays
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