Until We Gather Home

Scripture
Hebrews 10:25
“…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Devotional
Every Sunday brings us one Sunday closer to the last Sunday.
There is a Day drawing near.

Christ will return. The dead will be raised. Judgment will come. Christ's kingdom will be consummated, and God's redeemed people will finally be gathered in His presence.
That future changes the significance of our little gatherings today.

A congregation singing together on Sunday morning may not appear particularly impressive. But viewed through the eyes of Scripture, something extraordinary is happening.

God's redeemed people are gathering around their King.

And every one of those gatherings anticipates another gathering.

Revelation 7 describes a multitude no one can number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before God's throne. Our congregations today are tiny previews of that coming reality.

That is why Hebrews says we should gather “all the more” as the Day approaches.
Make gathering with God's people a settled rhythm rather than a decision you renegotiate every weekend. Not because church attendance earns God's favor, but because God knows what His children need.

And remember why sinners like us can gather before a holy God at all.

Jesus was cast out so that we could be brought in.

We don't gather because gathering saves us.

We gather because Christ has saved us. And gathering with His people is one of the gracious ways He keeps us, strengthens us, and prepares us for the Day when all His people will finally be gathered home.

Reflection
If I truly believed every Lord's Day gathering prepares me for the great gathering to come, how would it change the priority I give to gathering with God's people?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me and bringing me into Your family. Help me make gathering with Your people a faithful habit of grace. Keep me, strengthen me, and use me to encourage others as we wait together for the Day when faith becomes sight and all Your people are finally gathered home. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.