The Celebration of Worship

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1) Isn’t it a great thing to be able to come together with others of God’s family?! I think it is and the Psalmist realized this blessing, too. He was glad at the mention of it. This should be the Christian’s attitude, shouldn't it? After all, worship is a celebration of our relationship with God.

Consider the early church. They came together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) even under adverse conditions. Remember– this wasn’t a “day off” for them. For most it was another workday. BUT, the day was special because they would come together to worship God and remember Christ’s sacrifice and promise to return through the Lord’s Supper. Yes, indeed, it was a refreshing way to start a new week. And it still is.

Shouldn’t we be equally as eager to begin our week with such an attitude? Yet, there are many who seem to need to seek refreshment for their lives in other ways. Many have made this first day of the week every kind of day but the Lord’s day. We use it for anything and everything and then say, “Well, the Lord will understand.” The truth is, He does understand! He understands our motives and attitudes. He knows our hearts.

Let us not neglect our spiritual lives. Let us, as parents and grandparents, show our children that “church” is not just another extracurricular activity but the most important appointment we have each week.

We each would do well to reevaluate our spiritual lives and priorities to see what we put first. God has invited us to a feast to be in His family. When it comes time for the church to meet together, do we look forward to this as the celebration it is? Let us each say with the Psalmist, “I am glad when they say unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”! Let us have the attitude expressed in Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony