Why church is awesome
I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. — Psalm 22:25
The great assembly? Wow! What a thrill. What a joy.
What the psalmist is saying here is clear. Our vows to our God in the company of other worshipers in a great assembly is significant, wonderful and important.
Of course, private praise is also significant, wonderful and important. No one can emphasize enough the quiet thrill of intimately praising God when alone or in a small group. Times when sitting by window at dawn, walking a trail before dusk, or lighting a candle at night and thanking God for the day are such gifts. Something splendid happens here.
Something splendid and entirely different happens when we worship as a whole community. There’s a rush and grandeur during a rousing hymn and, countless decibels lower, a palatable energy when all are silent. When we fill so many seats, we inspire others with Christ at work in us just as we are inspired by Christ at work in others around us. The thrill and the joy of being together to commit and to celebrate who Christ is in our lives is one of the greatest charges ever. The uplifting experience lifts us through the valleys and carries us to places where, if only for a second, we experience heaven on earth.
What Psalm 22:25 acknowledges is that accountability matters. Partnerships increase and improve when shared and prayed over in public. Connections become all the more meaningful when all hear and rejoice with how God moves through God’s people.
Get to the full assembly as the Spirit leads you. The joy of being moved by God into vows shared publicly is one reason why church is awesome.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, remind us again how a full house of praise lifts our souls. Strengthen our vows to You, the church, and to each other so that the great assembly continues as You have planned, which is magnificent. Amen!
Leave a Reply