And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
This Scripture passage explains why church attendance is so important. It is so we can support and encourage each other. As the Day of Judgment draws nearer, we need to be meeting together to love and encourage each other.
In this holiday season, we are often spread thin with many family gatherings to attend. And even in really big families we still miss those not in attendance. There is a sadness when we miss those who have passed away as their seat remains empty.
It was sad to see my Dad’s recliner sit empty after he passed away. It was the same with my mom’s favorite rocking chair.
I remember the first time I went to my in-law’s for a family meal after my father-in-law had passed away. It was hard not seeing him in his seat at the head of the table.
As time goes on, other family members fill these seats as the family grows. I know this is something that would bring them great joy. I don’t’ know if God allows windows in heaven for them to see the good things. We know there are no tears or mourning, but maybe God lets them see their great grandchildren and the joy in their family.
Our church family is no different. I am willing to bet you have a favorite seat at church. Most of us tend to go to the same seat each Sunday. I would hope you wouldn’t give a visitor grief if they sat in your seat, but that’s a whole other blog for another day. Anyway, when you miss church and your seat is empty, your church family is sad. They miss you.
There is a sadness that accompanies an empty seat. Maybe someone has been waiting all week to tell you something. Maybe they have waited all week to hear an encouraging word from you or just to see your radiant smile.
Often times we don’t realize that we contribute so much to our biological families and our church families just by being there. Both families love you. Both families miss you when you aren’t around. But people missing you isn’t the only reason I encourage you to go to church. I encourage you because it’s God’s will for us. God wants us to put Him first. He wants us to give of our time and attention. He wants us to set aside this time of praise and worship.
He wants us to be devoted as the early church was in Acts 2:42 which says, “And they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teachings and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. He wants us to be happy about going to church. David said in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.'”
Jesus encouraged church attendance and fellowship when He said in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
I said all this to let you know you are missed when you are not with your family. Your church family misses you as much as your biological family, maybe even more. If you are alive and well, please don’t leave your seat empty.
Jesus loved us so much He died a horrible death on a cross to save us from our sins. What if He had been too busy. We know He didn’t want to do it. He prayed for God to remove it from Him in Luke 22:42. But He agreed to do God’s will and not His own.
What if one of those crosses had remained empty? Just something to think about.
Have a great day!