My quiet-time reading today took me to Luke 6:17, 18. These are the words that stood out in bold relief for me:

". . .a great number of people. . .had come to hear him and to be healed. . ."

The scene described in this chapter of the gospel is of Jesus speaking to a large crowd of people who had gathered from many different places. They had come to 'hear' and to 'to be healed'. As a preacher and pastor, this helps me to see those who come to church on Sunday through the eyes of Jesus as those who come for a word of hope and encouragement and for a restoring touch from God. It helps me in shaping worship and sermons in ways that meet these specific needs of the congregation. It infuses me with a sense of anticipation and I expect God to show up and change lives.

What about you? Why do you come?

This is a question worthy of a serious answer. Our expectations on Sunday morning will always be met. For example, if we expect only to be seen in church by the right people, we will not be disappointed; that is all that we will get. If we come only out of a sense of obligation to spouse or parent, our obligation will be met and nothing more.

However, if we come EXPECTING to hear God speak to us personally and to touch us at our deepest need, He will! Come and be encouraged and strengthened; come and be healed!

For Christ and his glory,

Pastor Don