This week we begin worship with:
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
After the stoning of Steven, as Paul persecuted the church, the church was scattered. James, in fact, wrote to those “scattered among the nations“ (diaspora). But God will to do the reverse. He will gather( kānas).
Many carry the ideal of being away, being separate, being alone. Many want the “Hundred Acre Wood” of Winnie the Pooh all to themselves. But this is not God’s ideal. God’s ideal is the city. The scattered coals of a fire die out, but only when gathered together they burn bright.
Psalm 147:12-14
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you.
He makes peace in your borders;
he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
It is to this ideal we are being called in the last chapters of Revelation, to a city designed by God.
No comments:
Post a Comment