A Hearty Serving

“Corona? This is not what I ordered!”

Just one solemn thought from this servant’s heart this morning has led to a lot that I seem to have to say at this table set for two over what I feel none of us deserve.

A long….. distant relationship….

With the minimum (cough) distance between us growing, the fact that we can’t truly sup together means; what is being served at this table leaves a bit more to be desired regarding what’s on my plate. You see, in our relationship, I am always looking forward to the feast, and at a feast, which is what the extended invitation is for, take-out and delivery should not even be an option. This spawned a question in my mind… Who are you and I to judge the distance between anyone and God. With both the opportunity and current need for some to attend church from their comfy couch at home, I can’t help but wonder… how many will be willing to answer the call of God from where they are and step out of their comfort zone.

I have heard many tell me, “I don’t feel I need to go to church because church is not about the building.” … OK, to that there is some truth. But, I humbly ask, “Isn’t God about the building though?” Not the physical building… but the building up of His people and of His kingdom.

I am trying to re-assemble my thoughts so I can share instead of table them and be self-consumed with the current events. The reasonable need for others is spurred by the thought of me being left to myself at a feast, which would probably lead to nothing short of a huge helping of self-indulgence with a side of self-deceit… which in my past experience has ended up just giving me a ton of extra weight and defeat.

The bible clearly tells us “do not forsake the assembling of my people”…. and my understanding is that it’s important because it also says… “where two or more are gathered, there will I be also.”

There is no one we need to show up right now, more than the great “I AM”

Just when we were all starting to get comfy with the idea of having God up in the house… He stands at the door and knocks… and we are alarmed. Who are we really trying to be socially distanced from.  I was self-deceived, for a moment of time to think that not being gathered together may be the best option for all and that caring for others can still be done from a distance. To be honest, some desperately need to be touched by God and noone can judge the distance between anyone and God but God himself.

So maybe, just maybe you feel and are told you are selfish for wanting to gather OR perhaps you are feeling wrong for feeling the need to stay home. As I sit alone, in prayer, hoping to hear from someone other than myself, I hear exactly what I need to. He says, “The greatest concern of mine is not the measured distance that keeps us apart… but instead… your distant heart.”

I know this is a long distance relationship but can I speak with you frankly for a moment, heart to heart? With all the focus on social distancing, I feel we are masking the real problem… to truly stop the spread of what is killing us all… it’s not our mouth that needs to covered, it’s our heart.

Matthew 15:11 It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the heart of a man. 

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”