“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate ofheaven.” - Genesis28:16,17
Here in the book of Genesis the Lord revealed himself as he spoke to Jacob promising his covenant blessing in that place. As a result of the Lord’s revelation in his word and presence, Jacob responded in faith and set that place apart for future use in honor to his God. As we gather in the Lord’s Name he is in our midst. His presence is promised by our Savior who is additionally present in the speaking and hearing of his words. Jesus speaks of worship in Spirit and in truth. So in the hearing of God’s word of truth his Holy Spirit is present.
The scriptures remind us as God’s people to let all things be done decently and in order when we gather in his presence. The Lord’s people respond to the grace of God in Jesus Christ with reverence and solemnity in their worship. Psalm 89 states: “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” As we gather our Lord is present revealing himself in his words!
Faith comes by hearing Christ’s word as we gather. Faith is also stirred in his calling to us in that word we hear! God’s children never come uninvited. We are not presumptuous as his people. We hear his words and respond to the call of our Lord and we are strengthened by it! My friends, what a gift we have in the worship of our God! Surely the Lord is in that place where we gather in his Name together.
Saint John is a worshipping church! Perhaps as we enter his presence with fear, love, and trust in our God we too might say, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Pastor