Time Together

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

It’s Day 155, and I kind of feel like I’ve had enough of this. No, I’m not done writing. Or working to make sure that we minister to one another while we maintain our distance. I’m not tired of making smart, safe choices. And I’m not weary in my faith. God is good. Christ is risen. The Spirit is moving!

But I’m tired of not seeing you. I’m weary of not being together. I don’t think it’s more true for me as a pastor, but Sunday mornings spent together with the people of God at Grace are the center of my week. These times spent in worship, hearing God’s Word, singing God’s praise, praying our deepest needs, receiving Christ in water, bread, and wine – these times are both the capstone to the prior week and the springboard for the coming week’s ministry. Sunday mornings together give me life.

Make no mistake, our worship services for small groups are a blessing. Each one is an oasis in the desert. But the desert remains.

So today’s passage from the Daily Texts makes me yearn for the day when we will be together again. Not because the church is the building, but because God’s people are the church and we’re meant to be together.

Today I take comfort not only in the fact that this won’t last forever but, even more, in the promise that we are together in Christ no matter where each of us happens to be. The promises of God are stronger than physical separation. For that matter, they’re stronger than death. We may still be a bit isolated, but we’re not alone.

The church is fine. Alive and well, enlivened as ever by the Holy Spirit. Great things are happening at Grace, and the new program year is going to be fantastic. It’s all good.

I’m just saying I miss y’all.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of grace, your people have gathered to worship you throughout the ages. Bless us during this ongoing apartness. May the ties that bind us together not fray. Pour our your Spirit upon us, and unite us ever in faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Grace, August 4, 2020. Photo by me.