“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Romans 1:11-12 (NASB)
In the next verse Paul explains that even though he desires to be with his readers, he has been prevented from getting to Rome. I started this series of articles because of the present situation where we are prevented from meeting as often as we once did. Where we once would meet several times a week, now we are prevented. This situation should be distressing to us as if we have been forcibly separated from our closest family.
Paul wanted to come to them because he desired to participate in their edification. He did not want to be with them simply to check some command-box. Many treat the assembly as if it is some answer to a multiple choice question—a Christian only need to choose one answer, and usually the correct answer is Sunday morning worship, in order to pass the test. Others treat the assembly as a la carte where you can choose any one, but you can also have more if you like. The Christians in the New Testament were distinctly interested in keeping each other’s company and meeting face to face. We read of how they were so excited about the good news that many would even meet daily. It was not a sacrifice to them; instead it was a joyous opportunity.
During this present situation, while we are limited in how often we meet, it should feel like a radical change. Sadly, for many it is not. Even worse, many more are entirely unconcerned with not meeting at all and indefinitely. For us, however, it is distressing. To relieve that distress, I write this, as Paul wrote, to keep each of us connected both to each other and to God. Because Paul could not be with them in person, he wrote to them to let them know he was concerned about them. However, Paul desired to be among them because that is the most effective way to edify those we love. Words from afar cannot long replace the assembling of the saints.
Even though Paul could not be among them, it was not because he was at home being idle. He needed to take the gospel to those who had never heard it (Ro 15:18-22). Let us remember to be about the work of God even more during these challenging times. We can talk to those who do not know our God and are living in fear. We can lift up spirits by writing or calling the brethren or even relieve their physical needs if necessary.
As I write this it is Friday. It has been almost a week since we have last assembled. Our hearts should be filled with anticipation knowing that we will very soon be back together.