I can't imagine that anybody who gets this devotional is thinking, "It's Friday. I wonder what the pastor is doing?" But this Friday (as most Fridays), I'm putting the "finishing touches" on my preparation for Sunday morning. And I'm praying not only that God will use our Bible study and fellowship - and even my preaching - to shape us as His people, but also that you'll show up to be part of it. 

 

And maybe that's why I'm drawn this morning to a part of today's word, which comes from Psalm 122. "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" (v. 1)

 

Of course, I pray that you are glad when you think about being in the Lord's house! And yet, I'm aware that we're not always "overflowing with anticipation" about coming to church. We're tired or preoccupied. Or maybe, we plan to show up; but it's just because we know we should and not because we're excited about it.

 

And that's why the other part of today's word comes from Hebrews Chapter 12, which offers a contrast between one way of approaching God that's based on fear and obligation - and a new way that's based on grace and joy.

 

"You've not come to a physical mountain," the Bible says; "to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai...No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God...and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven...You have come to the spirits of the righteous, who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, who mediates the new covenant between God and people." (12:18, 22-24)

 

So, why don't you come this Sunday? And let's be glad together, as we go to the house of the Lord. Amen.