“In the days of her affliction and homelessness Jerusalem remembers all her precious things that were from the days of old…”
(Lamentations 1:7)
God knows that absence makes the heart grow fonder. When Jerusalem lived in luxury and peace they didn’t appreciate what they had. When it left they wistfully considered the days of old and how much better it had been when God was with them.
We all need those types of reminders sometimes. When the blessings go away, we don’t take the Blesser for granted. Nothing like loneliness to make us remember how much we need each other.
Right now, church buildings sit with empty pews and worship assemblies are only lightly attended (if at all). There are many reasons for this – some legitimate, some not. Either way, the emptiness is felt.
The news points toward better days ahead, and I hope that’s true… but will we fill the pews when that time comes? Will we have learned the lesson that it is a privilege to be together and not just a command?
I sure hope so.
“ and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging [one another;] and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites