We are made for fellowship, in good times and bad. It's built into us to need relationship. Both with God and other people. For me I have to admit, animals come in a very close third too.
We often sing a song in church before communion. The very first verse reminds us that the table is ready and we are welcome to come and gather.
Jesus always knew when he needed to withdraw and be alone with the Lord. He also enjoyed fellowship with people.
When the festival of the Unleavened Bread arrived shortly before Jesus' crucifixion Jesus had the disciples prepare the Passover meal. Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering beings." Luke 22:15 (NLT)
Did you see he said he was eager to eat with them? He wanted to spend time with them. He knew much suffering was coming.
A meal with friends wasn't going to take that away. But just maybe it can help us prepare for and deal with our sufferings. When we have real relationships with fellow believers they help build us up.
"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:20 (NLT)
We can trust that the Holy Spirit is right there where we gather! We just need to remember.
Linking up with #LiveFreeThursday and Five Minute Friday
I love your connection of fellowship and bearing sufferings - 'oh, that we might know him, and the fellowship of his sufferings...' Phil 3.10 Thanks for posting today!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteLaura, we were thinking much along the same lines with the word gather. Something so holy about gathering together at the holy table!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteI have read that verse many times and never noticed that Jesus said he was eager to eat the Passover meal with them. Thank you for pointing that out. We do need each other, don't we? We also need time alone as Jesus did. Thank you for sharing this post on #livefreethursday! I'm visiting from there.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it Gayl. Thanks for stopping by.
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