1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
(Deuteronomy 1:1 ESV)
This verse signals the last time Moses would address the entire Israelite nation. For the next 33 chapters Moses reminds the people of their travels, their victories, their failures, their covenant, and concludes with a blessing for the nation. This took place "in the wilderness" prior to entering Cannaan, the promised land.
Sometimes God will speak directly to His children, other times that message will come through a person. That is why it is imperative as Christians we do not allow corporate worship to become a victim of today's busyness. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Ex. 20:8)
I have no doubt that God can reveal all we need through individual Bible study, prayer, and meditation, but I also believe that the ideas, interpretations of scripture, and interesting anecdotes we can receive from the pulpit are also important pieces to our spiritual growth.
Scripture is replete with stories and examples of God's children, both Jews and Christians, coming together for corporate worship and small group study. Let's not allow CNN, Highland Springs, Table Rock Lake, and Pastor Pillow to rob us of our time together as a body of believers.
No comments:
Post a Comment