What if Jesus came to church?
Ponder: The invisible presence of Jesus.
Scripture: “. . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Would you be present next time the church meets if you knew Jesus would be there? I expect that very few would claim they were “providentially hindered”! Jesus drew standing-room-only crowds in first-century Palestine, and would undoubtedly do the same here today.
Imagine Jesus leading the singing. Wouldn’t that be grand? Surely your mind would not wander. You would sing enthusiastically, clinging to every precious word. You truly would sing in spirit and in truth.
What if Jesus led the congregation in prayer? Can you comprehend how fervently you would be praying as you made His prayer your own? Oh, what a prayer that would be!
Now picture Jesus serving communion. He offers thanks for the bread and hands it to you. As you break off a piece, you see the nail prints in His hands, and your heart is broken afresh that He had to bear your sins on Calvary. A little later He gives you the fruit of the vine, and you remember with profound gratitude His blood that He shed for your redemption.
This next part could be a little embarrassing. What if Jesus received the offering? Would it make any difference in the amount you give? Could you look the Lord in the eye cheerfully as you placed your gift in the plate?
If Jesus stood up to preach, you would likely join hundreds of others in listening intently and taking notes. It would matter not at all if He spoke past the scheduled time. Indeed, whenever He stopped, you would wish He would continue preaching. The words of God would refresh your soul and renew your determination to walk in the light.
Yes, what if Jesus came to church? You already know what I’m going to say. He’s There Every Time We Meet! No, you won’t see Him with your eyes or hear Him with your ears, but He is there. The church is His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16 [the people, not the building]). He watches and listens as we sing, pray, commune, give, and proclaim His word. Let us worship as if the Lord were right there with us – because He is!
Song: “Oft we come together”
Prayer: Gracious Father, You are worthy of our worship. Jesus the Lamb is worthy. Your Holy Spirit is worthy. Please help us to give you the heart-felt, sincere, attentive worship that You desire and deserve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)