This Sunday our service times and locations are changing as our regular venue is unavailable because of the graduation ceremonies for the Dance & Drama schools.
It is weeks like this where it is good to remind ourselves why it is important to keep gathering together, even when it is inconvenient.
There are so many reasons why we meet together but the one that stands out most to me is that it is a sign of God's blessing to us. That we are his people and he is our God.
Throughout the Old Testament there seems to be a regular gathering and scattering of the people of God. God gathers them in blessing - think of leaving Egypt, receiving the Law at Sinai, entering into to the Promised Land, the building of the temple, and have a look at Isaiah 56:1-8. We also see God scatters his people in judgement - think of Babel, the covenant curses, and have a look at Deuteronomy 28:58-68.
So when we gather as God's people, around Christ in his word, enjoying the unity of the Spirit, we can only do so because of God's saving grace shown to us in Jesus. And when we do we are experiencing together the blessing of God as his people.
We are also getting a foretaste of God's eternal blessing to come. In the final chapter of the Bible we see a beautiful picture of the people of God gathered to him in his eternal kingdom,
'No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.' (Revelation 22:3-5)
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather together and experience a glimpse of our eternal home with God and all his people.
Grace & peace,
Andrew