Reflections from Pastor Greg

August Letter from Pastor Greg

Fellowship: It’s a Blessing, a Benefit, and a Beautiful Portrait of What’s Waiting for Us in Glory

A few weeks ago our two daughters, sons–in–law, & grandkids came to visit us; this was our first opportunity to be together since the Christmas season. It was such a special time—bringing a unique sense of joy to our home. Once the weekend was over, we both realized how much we’ve missed seeing them in a more personal way. Yes, we frequently talk with them and do video chats, but that’s not the same as actually being together. 

In a similar way, since our church family has had the opportunity to meet outdoors on Sunday mornings, I’ve become more consciously aware of something that’s been missing over the past several months. I’ve known this in my head and I’ve even expressed it many times in various emails, texts, sermons, and phone conversations. But since we’ve been able to worship person—to—person on Sunday mornings, once again having a weekly dose of gathering together and actually seeing one another, I’ve realized in my heart that personal fellowship and community within God’s family can never be duplicated with technology. During times like we’ve had over the past few months, technology is a wonderful blessing and we should use it in the best way possible, but it’s not the same as seeing one another, even though we might be wearing masks! 

But the fact remains that we still don’t know exactly when we’ll be able to “do church” without the need for social distancing and being concerned about who’s been exposed to whom or what. 

With that in mind, we should turn to God’s Truth. Please notice: 

—Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is … 

For God’s family to dwell together in unity! 

2 It’s like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, 

Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 

3 It’s like the dew of Hermon … 

Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; 

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever. 

Psalm 133 was written by David and while it’s one of the shortest psalms, it gives us three powerful benefits that explain why it’s important for us to maintain a strong connection with one another. 

1) In simple terms, David is saying that unity within God’s family is good in God’s eyes (the same term used by God during creation when He saw that what He had made was good) and it provides a genuine sense of delight! God’s will for us is unity and not discord. We all can appreciate how much more pleasant it is to dwell in peace, rather than conflict. 

2) In verse 2, David compares unity to the precious oil used when Aaron was consecrated as the first priest in Israel. When we share in fellowship and unity within God’s family, it sets us apart and enables us to stand out for God’s glory! It’s a testimony of God’s presence among us! It’s a symbolic picture of Heaven! 

3) Then in verse 3, David mentions Mount Hermon, the highest mountain in Israel. It was known for it’s lush greenery and amazing vegetation. The heavy dew of Mount Hermon was especially refreshing and it symbolized something that’s particularly invigorating. God intends for the relationships within God household of faith to bring refreshment and also to remind us that we have a promise of dwelling together through out eternity with God’s family

With prayer for God’s glory and praise for His grace … 

And as always, with prayer for our ACEFC family, Pastor Greg 

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