The Gathering Place

I have a Native American story teller doll. This figurine is of a Native American woman holding as many children as her arms can gather up. This sculpture represents the passing on of the oral traditions to the generations at a gathering place in the tribe. It always reminded me of my first grade class. I would say, “Let’s go to The Gathering Place,” and the children would huddle in as close as they could get for the lesson or story.

The Gathering Place was that special time during the day when the class could get close and personal. Sometimes it was for a story or encouragement or an in depth learning time. Sometimes it was to fuss at the group. (You know that happens.) But always it was to bring the group together for a purpose.

Paul talked about The Gathering Place in Hebrews 10:25 and in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2. In fact this Greek word for gathering was used in only these two locations.

(To the Hebrews at their church) And let us not neglect our gathering together, as some people do, but encourage one another, now that the Day of His return is drawing near.

(To the Christians at the church in Thessalonica) Now we ask you, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him that you not be shaken or disturbed from your composure about the coming Day of the Lord.

For the children of God there are two Gathering Places. One is for now and one is for the future. Our now Gathering Place is the assembly of our church at our church. Our future Gathering Place is the assembly of our church into the presence of Christ at His return on that day.

Sometimes we wake up on Sunday morning and think to ourselves, “Is it really necessary to go to church? Can’t I just lay here in my nice comfortable bed and worship God with my eyes closed…Zzz?” Paul says, “Yes, it’s necessary to go to church. Now get up!”

Someday we will gather together at The Gathering Place with Jesus at His return.

Let’s not forget to gather together with Jesus at our on earthly Gathering Place.

Let’s go to our Gathering Place.

See you Sunday...or that Day!