Atom“Gathering so We Can Go”
“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
I had coffee with the guys again yesterday morning. It was the usual crew: a government worker, an accountant, a salesman, a highway patrol officer, a veterinarian, a farmer, a couple of mostly retired guys doing some new kind of work that they never did during their “working years,” and me – a pretty motley group all in all. We meet at 6:30 every Wednesday morning when we’re in town. We eat breakfast (the waitress pretty much knows what each of us is going to order before she asks), we drink coffee (or juice), we talk about the weather and sports, we check in on the economy and the government, share a silly story or joke, and grieve some of the losses in our community – including ongoing job losses of friends and neighbors. Then, not having solved the problems of the world, we open our Bibles and see what God would have us be about as we begin another day. We read and talk about one of the lessons for the coming Sunday’s worship. We share some of our own stories…and we don’t all agree on what we have read or how it speaks to us. Then we name some of our concerns for the community and our families and we pray. Then…its time to make our way back into the day.
Gathering like this is nothing earth-shattering or immediately life-transforming. But it is life-giving. It is support and encouragement. It is what it is to be a part of a “small group” – a gathering of believers smaller than a worshipping community that gathers to enjoy each other’s company and to encourage each other in our walk with the Lord. I can only hope that many of you have such a group. If not, you may be missing one of the great gifts of our Lord to those who follow. We live in a culture, especially among men, where there is great emphasis on “standing on your own two feet,” and “going it alone.” But God knows we weren’t created to go it on our own. We were created for community and for friendship. A small group doesn’t have to be a “Bible study” group to give spiritual support. It may be the choir or the serving team you are a part of. What makes it vital and life-giving is that some of the gathering is for faith conversation and prayer for each other and for the world.
If you don’t have such a group and would like to be part of one, come and talk to us…your pastors and staff. Maybe we can help you gather a group with a common interest and the desire to walk together as believers – and in so doing to refresh each other for the journey. God knows we need each other – and live more fully when we have each other!
Thanking God for you,
Pastor Wade
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