We praise the Lord that we were able to stay connected during our COVID isolation. And for the sick, the shut-in, the quarantined, and the person who works during worship times, it is still a great tool. I want to address the rest of us. This is intended as a gentle reminder of what we already know and nothing else: God intends for us to be together in regular worship.
It is certainly true that waking up, getting our coffee or breakfast, remaining in our jammies and watching church online is very convenient for us. And for young families it was and is a way to have the children be in a comfortable environment while the parents can focus. I get it. And yes we can pray without going to church and we can serve others in some ways without going to church. And yes we can give our money without going to church. But just because all those things have a level of truth to them, it does not mean that by doing so we are “doing church” the way God designed it.
So why return to church when this is so comfortable and convenient?
First, God commanded us to be together. Hebrews 10:25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
If you read the verses immediately before this in the context, he is discussing how since Christ has opened up the way for us to this living hope, we should do certain things together. All the time it says, “Let us.....” it is in the plural. Let’s all together do these things. We can’t do these things together unless we are...together. In fact, he distinctly says, Let’s not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing...”. Covid has become a temptation to do so. Let’s fight the temptation.
Second, church is not just for information but incarnation. If being able to sing in a place where no one else will hear us or we can just listen and “feel” like we are worshipping, and then listen to a teaching that informs and inspires us, then online is fine. But that is not God’s design. When He carried out the plan of salvation, He “sent” His Son. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NIV
He designed that the gifts He has placed in every believer are to be used with and among each other (1 Corinthians 12). We can’t do that unless we are among each other. If information was the only thing needed, God could have or would have texted His plan. But He did not. He came and lived among us. He showed us that our life is meant to be lived with each other, not apart from each other. It is more than information. If we are not present in the “Body”, the Body is not whole. We need each other.
Third, we are preparing now to be present with all believers and the angels in worship in the future. In fact, we join with them now in a manner of speaking. But catch this picture:
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:13-14 NIV
If we are joining with all creation later, why would we not do it now?
Church is a corporate function, not an individual function. How we work, worship and wait on the Lord are meant to be together. Our fierce Western individualism, and look toward personal benefit often cause us to miss God’s desires for us. When isolation is necessary, worshipping online and connecting that way is a wonderful option, but it was not and is not intended as a substitute when we are free and able to be together in worship.
Let me say it again. This is given as a reminder of what we all know to be true and nothing else. It is also an invitation for those who are able to to do so to return to regular gathering because you are missed and your presence is needed for the benefit of us all. We look forward to seeing you soon.
