They Devoted Themselves

This weekend, all over our city, our churches will be gathering. Families, friends, young and old, coming together for each other and for Jesus. As you gather, I’ve had two simple instructions on my heart.

First, a word from the writer of Hebrews:

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.

That’s it. Come together to spur one another on.  That’s why you keep prioritizing this. To be sure, there’s lots of other things you could be doing with your time. But you need this. We need this. You need each other. You need to look into each others eyes and say what no one else is saying: you can do it. Keep loving. Keep doing good. Keep loving Jesus. Keep loving your neighbour. Keep on, keeping on.

Don’t give up meeting together. Heaven knows we need this. We really need this.

Second, a word from the writer of Acts:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

When Luke describes the earliest church gathering, he gave this simple description. This is what they devoted themselves to. I’ve come to call these things our “Ancient Rhythms”. The simple things we, like they, devote ourselves to.

When you come together read the scriptures, love and care for one another, break bread (that’s likely communion) and pray. It’s not rocket science. The ancient rhythms that God’s people have always given themselves to.

This weekend, all over the city, you will gather. Don’t stop doing this. Devote yourself to this. And as you do, keep it simple. Do what the church has always done. In so doing, you’ll be shaped, spurred on, as together you follow Jesus.

May God be with you and bless you.