Several
years ago, a park ranger, serving at beautiful Yellowstone National Park led
some hikers to a tower, which served as a fire lookout. The ranger wanted his
group to fully experience the beauty of Yellowstone, so he explained in great
detail about the flowers and wildlife of the great national park. So focused
was the ranger, he turned off his two-way radio, thereby eliminating a
potential distraction.
Nearing
the tower, the ranger and his group were approached by another ranger. Out of
breath, he asked why his urgent radio messages had not received a response. He
went on to explain that park rangers had spotted a grizzly bear stalking the
group. They had been urgently attempting to send messages to warn the hikers.
Part
of the purpose of the worship assembly is to receive communication from God.
God has much to say, including warnings—not about a grizzly that stalks us, but
a lion (I Pet. 5:8.)
Unfortunately,
too many Christians choose to ignore the worship assembly, choosing an
individual pursuit. That’s like turning off a two-way radio in order to enjoy a
beautiful hike.
Assemble—and
leave the radio on. God’s got something to say.
It
is in the context of a conversation about the importance of the Sunday worship service,
the writer of Hebrews states, 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they
did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less
will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the
earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but
also the heavens” (Heb. 12:25-26.) NIV
1984
Source-- Harold M. Wiest; Dawson Creek,
British Columbia, Canada
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