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Tuesday, September 28, 2004
In last week's study (you can get those by hitting the "archives" link...this blog only shows 7 days at a time) we saw how David was glad to be going to Jerusalem for the festivals, and we took a look at the nature of those festivals. They would've been feasts that went on for days and a chance to spend time having fun.
We saw in Acts 2 (again, last week's study) how one of the four things the early church did that separated them from the "perverse generation" was fellowship.
And now it comes up again in Nehemiah 8. Now remember from the preceding chapter that the Israelites had moved back to Jerusalem after it had been repaired from ruins. Seven months later they held a memorable worship service that began with a reading from Scripture.
In verse 9 of chapter 8 the Israelites seem to fully understand their standing before God. After 300 or so years of being dispersed and having generations forget who they were supposed to be, they heard God's Word.
At first there were plenty of "Amens" from the crowd as they recalled God's faithfulness to them throughout history. Then there was reverence and bowing in worship. Reading the Law will indeed show you the holiness of God.
But it will also show you something else, too: The reality that you are not God. We are not holy. We are sinful people in need of God rescuing us. It's been that way since Adam.
And note the reaction their understanding of that reality provoked their hearts. They wept. In fact, they were bordering on mourning...which we hear echoes of in the Sermon on the Mount (see archives). Their understanding of their unfaithfulness...their sin...caused them to weep.
But look at the reaction of Ezra the priest. He sees this reaction. He has an understanding of what this day is supposed to be about. There'll be time for confession later. Today is about celebration, Israel. In fact, throw a party. Eat meat together. Drink wine together. In fact, make sure that the people who don't have anything get enough to eat and drink, too. This day is for celebration.
And isn't it amazing how it was a concern that everyone be a part of the celebration? No one left out.
And isn't it amazing how important fellowship is? We've seen it over and over again. I remain convinced that for all of our theological propriety, for all our political posturing, for all of our logical apologetics, for all our "rightness"...none of it matters unless we OUT LIVE those that don't know Christ.
If Christ made a claim that we have an abundant life...
...well...
...when those outside the faith look at our lives...
...are we really OUT LIVING them?
And how can we out live them unless we're joyfully spending time together, in true celebration and living life together?
I stand firm on the idea that fellowship is crucial in the spiritual life of those that follow God, and to make it a lower priority than study of the Word or prayer or the sacrements is a horrible mistake.
And, as a tribe, we make it too often. So, do you agree or disagree?
Brent 4:04 AM
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