Gathering

 

A trip to Europe can be defined by many different sites to see.  Bustling cities, incredible castles, rolling pastures, and beautiful beaches.  Yet, nothing compares to the churches, cathedrals, and basilicas.  During our recent trip, we truly had the pleasure of seeing these magnificent structures, the detailed craftsmanship, and hear the history behind God’s houses. 

We saw many beautiful churches throughout Spain.  Yet the one that absolutely amazed me was the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  The building began in 1882 and is still not complete.  They are almost there and hoping it will be done by 2026!  This building has the birth and death of Jesus crafted right into the sides of the church.  It is truly breathtaking.  It was glorious.  I wondered if people got tired of working on the same structure, maybe all their lives?  Think about the days you wake up to go to work and you struggle with thoughts of ‘same thing, different day’.  I’m sure those working on a large basilica could feel the same way!

Building God’s house, wherever it may be, is back-breaking work.  Whether it is hundreds of years, and the craftsman never sees the finished product, or whether it is a small church building that can be put up in a few months, the Lord “takes pleasure and is honored”.   The building can be grand and ornamental.  The real church is the people that are inside the structure.  The people who come to walk through the doors, pour out their sins, receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, and worship our Lord. 

It brought me back to the churches I’ve attended and one I considered my home church for many years.  It started in a Fish and Game Club.  There were only a few of us, sitting on metal chairs, but the love of Jesus was proclaimed with glory.  This church was moved to a warehouse that was converted into a church – there was an altar but no chair rail for communion.  Again, the love of Jesus was certainly present.  Eventually, with a growing congregation and the leadership of a wonderful Pastor, this church moved into a beautiful structure.  The day we worshipped in the actual church was wonderful, yet it was just as wonderful as the Fish and Game club.

God wants us to gather, to build churches and bring people to His Word.  God delights when we worship Him together, singing praises and confessing sins.  Whether the church is as grand as the Sagrada Familia or a small hut in Zimbabwe, it is about where God’s people gather to worship Him.  That church is always blessed by God!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the beautiful churches around the world.  They are beautiful and inspiring.  We also thank you for the smaller structures where those who love you and worship you meet to bring honor to you.  May ALL churches continue to receive your blessings.  Amen!