Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Some of the most welcome words I ever heard my husband utter were, “Would you like to go to church tomorrow?” Growing up in a family that was “Christian” by tradition but not conviction, I set foot in a church only occasionally, except for a time when my parents enrolled me in a Christian school. I loved going to church. Undoubtedly part of the appeal was getting to dress up, but I also loved singing the hymns and confidently reciting prayers, psalms, and creeds that I had memorized as part of the Catechism. It cemented a desire that never really waned, even after my limited church attendance came to an end when my husband and I married. Strain in our relationship drove us to seek help from God, so when my husband asked the question mentioned above, I didn’t hesitate to say, “Yes!” And what we sought we found—healing in our marriage and peace with God through Jesus Christ.
Since that day 52 years ago, we have been faithful attendees. Our girls were brought up with that tradition though some mornings there was resistance. When they protested, often with a creative excuse, we responded with, “Do you have a fever? Are you throwing up? Are you bleeding? No? Then let’s get going!” Even out-of-town guests were encouraged to attend with us. The commitment was real even if sometimes it took great discipline to follow through. One of the reasons we don’t go out much on Saturday nights is so that we can prepare ourselves for the next day, by winding down from the busy week and going to bed at a reasonable hour so we have no trouble getting up early on Sunday morning.
Sundays are the highlight of our week, the day we look forward to gathering with “the church”—a family of believers— where we can worship and praise our Father, pray together, learn about God’s ways that transform our lives, and then visit a bit, catching up on busy lives, taking the opportunity to “hug some necks,” encouraging and building each other up.
In today’s world, some may ask why one bothers going to a church building when one can watch a sermon on TV or listen to a podcast. Also, there are some who have physical limitations that hinder their ability to attend a church. But, for those who are able, let me share some good reasons why going to church (and even belonging to one) benefits us:
• We are invited to praise and worship: what happens when we do this? Our praise ushers in the very presence of God. 2 Chronicles 5:14 says, “They praised the Lord…then the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud…for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” The Psalms are full of instructive examples, even commands, for praising and worshipping the Lord. In Psalm 29, David called the people to worship with this command, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in Holy array.” We are encouraged “to worship and bow down”— spiritually and sometimes even physically—” before the Lord Who is the object of our praise and worship. Come, let us worship, and invite the Holy Spirit to be present, to captivate our attention as we praise Him!
• We are invited to pray: what happens when we do this? Prayer grasps the attention of God! And when we do, we become more intimate, truly of one heart, when we pray together. Does He really hear us when we pray? Yes, He does! Scripture says, “I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” If there is a doubt on how to pray, ask of Him as the disciples did, “Lord teach us to pray.” Ask the Lord who hears to teach you how to speak to Him and He will respond to those who spontaneously and dependently pray to Him. Participate in prayer by praising God for Who He is, thank Him for a specific work in your life; make your requests, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you in a fresh way. Let us be part of a praying church!
• We are invited to learn: what happens when we do this? We become part of what God is accomplishing here in the world. Paul commanded Timothy, “preach the word” so we must listen to what God’s Word has to say to us. Is His Word really truth we should hear? Yes! Psalm 119: 160 says, “The sum of Thy Word is truth.” Romans 15:4 says “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction.” So let us enter into the church service ready for instruction, prepared to jot down certain comments, verses, questions, and thoughts. Teach (us) Thy way, O Lord!
• We are invited to build up the church body: what happens when we do this? We are encouraging others in their walk with Christ. Our focus verse for today, Hebrews 10:24-25, says this, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Have you ever thought that your presence at church greatly encourages others? When we attend, we are making a statement that church is important, and being there helps to spur others on in their own walk, encourages them to love and serve one another and, most importantly, to stay the course until Christ comes back!
Father, as we prepare our hearts for Sunday tomorrow, the day You instituted as a day of rest from our labors, renew in us a desire to fulfill your purpose for the Sabbath, to keep it holy, and to spend time with other believers in a house of worship. Help us to make it a priority and a habit because we know this pleases You and benefits us. May we worship in spirit and in truth, our Lord and Maker, Who is worthy of all praise. It is in Your majestic name we pray. Amen.
