This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday, and as always, there is great anticipation leading up to the big game. As a Cowboys fan, I must admit that my passion for this game already departed three weeks ago when the San Francisco 49ers crushed my hopes and dreams. Nonetheless, millions of other Americans are intently preparing for this game. They are buying groceries and building an extensive menu. Some will even begin cooking many hours before the kickoff. Many are buying jerseys and decorations for their viewing parties. Fans are reading stat sheets and ESPN articles to prepare their minds for Sunday’s match up. And millions of people are inviting their friends to come share in the Super Bowl experience with them this Sunday.
I wonder what would happen if Christians began to view church on Sundays like the world views the Super Bowl? What would happen if we began to anticipate the gathering of the saints in the same capacity that we anticipate a football game? I think we would start to orient our entire weekends around that big event in a similar way. Church would no longer be just an option for the weekend, it would be the central focus. We would go to bed earlier on Saturdays and clear our calendars on Sunday mornings. We would prepare our minds by reading Scripture and praying before we leave our homes. We would get to church long before “kickoff” so we would not miss a minute. We would invite our friends to join us because we would want to share that experience with others that we love. We would be dialed in to the worship service like we are to our TVs. We would sing loudly, listen attentively, and prayerfully process the things we are hearing from God.
David says, “I was glad when they said to me, ’Let us go to the house of the Lord’!” (Psalm 122:1). I love the Super Bowl and there is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a big football game with friends. But I pray that our church will begin viewing every Sunday like a Super Bowl Sunday because it is. Every Sunday, we are proclaiming and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. For nearly 2,000 years, the church has purposefully gathered on Sundays to remember that it is “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). Jesus overcame the grave on this day, so we gather to celebrate His victory for us. Jesus blesses the gathering of His people in a unique way (Matthew 18:20). This is why we should anticipate it, and we certainly should not neglect it (Hebrews 10:25). I encourage you to enter the Lord’s house this Sunday with a new sense of anticipation. Come expectant to hear from the Lord, and watch how God begins to bless your soul in a fresh way.
As a closing reminder, I did want to give an update on our upcoming Israel Tour. I know many of you saw my note go out early this week. We only have about 10 spots remaining. If you plan to join us in the Holy Land, I encourage you to register ASAP and put down your deposit this week. The registration will remain open until we are full. You can register here: https://signature.rezdy.com/514939/pastor-jonathan-spencer-10-day-journey-to-the-holy-land-november-5-14-2023.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 