'Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.'
Fellowship, a gift divine given to all God's children, in ages past in time to come. We stand as family; we stand as one with brothers and sisters far and near in time and place -- a familed circle of love -- in days of safety and days that rain fear.
1 Cor 3:16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
Matthew 12:48-50(NLT)48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers.50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”
The Church of the Nazarene flowers in joyous faces around us -- the family of Christ -- perfuming the days -scattering petals of safety, of good will and neighbors' blessings -- of fuel and food, of clothes to share and thoughts to bear each other up, a cup of water here, a double pat of butter and honeyed bread there, a knowing laugh -- a promise kept -- an ear to hear, and yes even through the days and nights of pain -- the long kept vigil not spent alone -- gathered in a solidarity of hearts for evening's tearful prayer.
But joy comes in the morning! Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together as my followers,I am there among them.”
Picking up our years each day, we are not alone: Our lives are bound, baptized anew in the memory of our Lord and Jordan's cleansing river. In daybreak prayer and communal song, remembering ancient gifts of frankincense and myrrh, of doves in the sky and the cross held high, we sing, "Worthy is the Lamb!" We sing, "Blest Be the Tie that Binds!" We sing, "Just As I Am!"
John 13:34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
Worthy more than gold or mammon's vacant call are the time we spend together in worship sweet and sacred call together, a family of soul and sight and sound. Holding fast against the rain of culture's snare, building each other up with faith and prayer. With heads held high, not in pomp, but in the conviction dear of our Lord, of standing to proclaim His name, we are united as one. We are brothers and sisters in Christ.
2 Cor 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
