“Meanwhile the eleven disciples were on their way to
Galilee,
headed for the
mountain Jesus had set for their reunion.
The moment they saw him, they worshiped him; some,
though, held back,
not sure about worship,
about risking themselves totally.”
Matthew 28:16-17
(MSG)
The remaining disciples traveled to a predetermined site-a
mountain. Jesus had told them to meet him.
They had reunited because the experiences in the Upper Room. They were
eager to go see Jesus. They must have been thankful to meet with Him again.
Do we approach opportunities to worship as we should? Or do
we make excuses and drag our feet about going to church?
A friend of mine and her husband decided early one Sunday
morning to stay home from church. He’d had a bad week and she was extra tired.
Their pastor texted them and asked them if they were going to be there that
day; he needed some help in the service.
They debated what to text back to the pastor. He didn’t want
to lie to the pastor—how would that look?
She told him that they could say they weren’t in town. Actually that was
splitting hairs. Their church is in the next town south of where they live.
They finally decided to hurry and get ready and go. They
arrived at their church with five minutes to spare. The pastor asked my friend
to sing and her husband to read scripture. The sermon somehow seemed to be
aimed right at my friend. She started out telling me the Lord taught them both
a lesson.
Several years ago, a dear lady told a group of us that we
need to prepare for worship. We prepare to go to the grocery store. Before we
take a trip, we see that our vehicle is in great shape. We plan which clothes
we will take; make arrangements for lodging. We make plans for birthdays,
anniversaries, graduations, and Christmas.
How should we plan for worship? Shouldn't we prepare our
hearts to receive what God has for us? Are we always ready to worship Him?
graphic from :humc-ny.org