But Why Go To Church?

(This reading is based on Psalm 122 and is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of SDAs) 
Recently we had special series of meetings (a week of prayer followed by a two week revival). The week of prayer was held in the mornings and for the two-week revival we had an excellent presenter. The folk came out in their numbers for both sets of meetings. But what a dismay the Sunday evening following the close of the series; the special speaker was gone, and incidentally, it appeared that so was the reason for coming out. Why do we come to church day after day?

I must confess that I enjoy a good sermon. I also love to hear inspired music. But the Psalmist does not list any of these as reasons for the joy he finds in going to the house of the Lord. The source of the Psalmist's joy is the "Testimony of Israel," and he comes to His house to:

                                       

1. "Give thanks to the name of the Lord," (verse 4).

2. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," (verse 6).

3. Pronounce peace upon our, "brethren and companions," (verse 8).

Of course nothing is wrong with listening to a good sermon, or enjoying the inspired music. Both of these should be diligently prepared and presented, but these do not yet get to the heart of worship for the masses. Worship is more about giving than receiving - a concept captured in Acts 20: 35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

So let us today, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100: 4.  Happy Sabbath all!

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