Standing in awe of the Lord’s teachings!
February 14, 2025
Machelle McDowell
What would happen if we put on our church billboards: “Join us for worship Sunday, Standing room only!”
If you were invited to attend a church that offered no seating, standing room only, would you go? How far out of your comfort zone do you think you would step to worship God?
This setting would draw a new meaning to the lyrics of the old hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God.”
Standing in attention to the Lord’s voice! Is this what we are missing in our churches? Has comfort numbed us from feeling God’s presence? Has that become our focus?
We have all of our senses covered: comfy seating, perfect temperatures, favorite worship songs, Oh, and let’s not forget our yummy coffee…
The lengths in which we go to meet the “wants” of people in our churches has reached an all time high. We focus on aesthetics, comfort, styles of music/worship, updated technology, programs, events, fellowships, etc. The list is quite lengthy.
We have missed a simple truth- Can We hear Jesus?
Matthew 13:1-
Jesus went out of the house an sat by the sea. Great multitudes gathered together, so He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then, He spoke many things to them in parables.
We are missing the benefits of standing firm in the Lord.
Wow! These people were so intrigued with Jesus they were willing to go anywhere to hear him speak. Study has proven these meetings were not short. They gathered for hours listening to Jesus, Standing! (Sure, you probably had some who were willing to sit in the sand to rest for a bit), even those folks didn’t mind a little sand in their cloak. Comfort was not on the list!
I venture to say, personally, I don’t believe chairs, sound systems, or even music was ever mentioned, not alone complained about.
I think they were so amazed at what they were hearing that the time flew by an they yearned for more! When is the last time church ended and you yearned for more!
Maybe we should try this some Sunday? LOL. The Pastor sits and the congregation stands!
(Spurgeon Quote) The teacher sat, and the people stood; we should have less sleeping in congregations if this arrangement still prevailed.” Can you imagine?
To stand and focus on God’s Word being taught with authority. What an encouragement to the Pastor in your churches! To stand before him in awe of God’s Word. Listening intently and yearning to hear more.
Would it change the climate of our churches? Would it change our definition of necessities in our churches? Do we really need this? Do we really need that?
The bottom line is Jesus is what we need!
Challenge- Let’s step outside of our comfort zones we have created for ourselves and stand in awe of Jesus. I think it will change our relationship with God and each other!