3:82 – Where Do You Worship?

#faithbites #faithjourney #covid19 #worship #familylife #trinluth Worship

If I asked you two weeks ago how you worship, you may have answered like this: 1) At a physical building (church, temple, synagogue, mosque), 2) In a home with a small group of people, 3) In nature or other locations, 4) By myself, or 5) I don’t really worship.

Most of you would have said that you worship online. But it’s not two weeks ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us out of our comfort zones and many churches to jump into online services.

As I’ve said before, a crises is a terrible thing to waste. This morning at #trinluth, we had between around 250 or so in three online services. It was weird, different, and unique. Our pastor commented that the church was weird being empty to which an online worshiper commented, it isn’t empty, it’s filled with Jesus.

No matter how and where you worship, Jesus is there with you.

Scripture

• “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
• Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25
• What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. – 1 Corinthians 14:26

Reflection

The Bible doesn’t say we have to worship at 801 S. Madison St in Bloomington, IL. It also doesn’t say we have to be physically in one place. Jesus says where two or three gather in my name, I am there. Guess what? That means we can be together in many different ways. Hebrews says we shouldn’t neglect to meet togther. Again, we can do that through technology. Sure, it’s not the same as sharing the peace in person and being able to touch, but we are still one people. Finally, in Corinthians, it says we should come together in a hymn (song), a lesson (scripture), a revelation (sermon), a tongue, or an interpretation (sermon). All of these were present today.

So the place we meet isn’t important. How, with whom, and why we come together is what is important. We want to praise Jesus, thank him for our salvation, deliverance, and forgiveness. That can be done anywhere, even in your PJs.

Challenge

Did you join a service today? Are you looking for an online home during this time? Reach out and ask who is doing services online? Maybe a large group service isn’t for you? Others are doing small groups online. Reach out and become connected. God is there in all places.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we are worshiping in ways we never have before. Your people are using the gift of technology to praise your name. While we are practicing physical distancing, don’t let us practice social distance. Help our social networks to grow and allow us to be together in your word, in your place, at your time. This is new for many of us. Help us adapt to change in this crazy world. We know you have all the answers and we turn it over to you. In your name, Amen.

(Picture selected by my eldest. She wanted credit 🙂 )