Heart for the House Devotionalနမူနာ

Day 5: The Gathering

Thought: Read. Think. Pray. Live.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Screens only go so far. Even in a world full of digital connection, there is no substitute for the real thing. Community involves lives meshed with each other - close, personal, gritty, real and intimate. There is no doubt that online Church communities and services have great benefits. They will absolutely play an important part in the future of God’s people and have produced beautiful fruit across the globe, reaching people that could not have otherwise been reached. But the Church cannot solely be online.

We are not designed to do life alone. Don’t run from community. Spiritual formation is not a lone pursuit. As Rich Villodas notes, “Jesus lived in perpetual communion with the Father, but still needed a community of brothers and sisters.” 

The New Testament examples of Church are a great place to start getting inspired about the power that comes when God’s people gather to worship and share life together. The picture of the early Church is vastly different from the contemporary notion that “Church” is a place where members go, usually once a week. Back then, Church always referred to people, never to buildings. By making the Ekklesia run on existing social tracks (mealtimes), Jesus turned tables into pulpits and homes into assembly halls. The Spirit-filled legacy of their gatherings still resonates today. The Lord exploded in their midst. Communities were reached. People were healed. The poor were cared for. The glory of the Lord was on full show amongst His people. There is power in gathering.

Acts 2, one of our passages today, speaks of a “devotion” to fellowship. It’s a good challenge for us today. Are we happy operating on the fringes of a Church community, keeping relationships superficial and “attending” when it is convenient for us? Or can we learn to be devoted to true fellowship - gathering with Christ’s people to encourage each other, worship His name and stir one another to live a life of mission and purpose. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there He is.

“Church must become a thick web of interdependent relationships between resilient disciples of Jesus deeply loyal to the way” - John Mark Comer

Prayer and Application

If it is possible for you, make a plan to attend and participate in a gathering of God’s people (perhaps a small group or Sunday service) over the next few weeks. Remind yourself of the value of the Church gathering.

Pray: God, I thank you that you value community and encourage us to put down deep relational roots within your House. Show me the joy of gathering with your people. Help me to connect deeply with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Give me courage to reach out. I do not want to do this life alone. Amen.