Going to My God

Last night in Bible study we read a couple of Psalms that spoke of going up to Jerusalem to appear before the LORD, to sacrifice and worship with rejoicing.  The sons of Korah reflected on the wonderful times they had with others who praised the God of Israel and rejoiced in His goodness.  A brother at the study pointed out the progression seen in Psalm 43:3-4:  "Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. ⁴ Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God."  For Jews appearing before the LORD a trip to Jerusalem was far more than a social gathering because going to Jerusalem, the tabernacle, and altar led to the presence of God Himself:  "to God, my exceeding joy."

In days long ago it was not uncommon for me to hear people call a church building "the house of God."  While this sentiment is not entirely biblically accurate, people rightly viewed as sacred the place dedicated to the worship, praise and service of the LORD.  Solomon said himself that God does not dwell in houses made with hands, yet the presence of God did dwell for a long season in the temple he built according to God's design in Jerusalem.  The coming of Jesus Christ, the establishment of the New Covenant in Christ's blood, and spiritually regenerated believers--being made the temple of the Holy Spirit--has ushered in a new era of God dwelling literally in each of His born-again people.  It is therefore even more special when we gather together for the purpose of seeking God, for He is with us, upon us, and in us.

I remember talking to a co-worker who was content to go with his grandma's advice, that because God knows our hearts there isn't any need to go to church.  Perhaps with the sharp rise of the availability of live-streamed services, Christian teaching and worship online this sentiment has also increased and become commonplace.  For anyone who enjoys live music, there is a difference between seeing a show live and listening to a polished studio album.  Watching people talk on TV or YouTube is different than shaking their hand, conversing and getting to know one another in person.  When famous musicians have shows in Sydney, it is common for these to sell out--even though people already have all their music.  While some of us have little interest in paying to go to a concert, there is a lesson we can learn from people who want to be near to artists or celebrities they may even call their idol.

Consider this:  would you go to church on Sunday if the Apostle Paul was the speaker in the flesh?  What if Jesus Himself were to descend to be speaker for a weekend church retreat?  Would you put a priority on being physically there?  As a follower of Jesus, I'd like to think I would.  Jesus is more than a person I idolise but I am convinced He is God in the flesh, my LORD and Saviour.  I believe in our private Bible reading, at a home Bible study, and at church Jesus will do the speaking through His Word and those He gifts to teach by His grace.  These teachers and pastors have a wide range of styles, quirks and even odd mannerisms, yet the LORD is faithful to speak through these imperfect vessels to those who seek Him.  We might prefer the delivery of one person over another, but God can use them all.  That's my perspective on reading the Bible and going to church.  Whenever we go to meet with God's people, being the temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in us, God is always there and ministers His truth to hungry hearts, to those thirsty to hear from Him.

We do not need to wait until our life on earth is over before we "go to God," for we can approach Him joyfully with one another when the church gathers.  Even if the preacher is not your style, by faith going to church can be a small step towards God, our exceeding joy.  You may not be greeted upon arrival or exit, and no one may ask your name:  but you cannot escape God's notice:  He sees and hears you, and like Boaz He will leave handfuls of sustenance for you to gather up and be fed by the Bread of Life.  Amazing and unexpected as it may seem, God can minister and speak through you to others by His grace.  When we are going to God rather than just "going to church" it is an exciting and joyful prospect, for we catch glimpses of Him in every believer we meet.