There were a lot of people, especially those from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, who did not eat the Passover meal because they had not prepared themselves adequately. 2 Chronicles 30:18 (MSG)
It’s football season, and as I write this I’m watching all of the television commercials prompting people to be prepared and well stocked for tailgating. I hear people talking about their weekly pre-game parties. I’ve never been into tailgating, but even Wendy and I know when the game will be on and are generally prepared to be on the couch in proper team regalia.
When I read today that the people weren’t prepared for their worship at the Passover, it leapt off the page at me. I started asking myself how “prepared” I am for worship on Sunday mornings. What do I do to make sure that my head and my heart are ready to worship God and hear what He might have to say to me?
The reality is, I give more thought to being prepared to watch a football game than I do to being prepared to worship of my Lord. Don’t get me wrong. I love football, and I love to get into the game and all the fun that surrounds it. Today, however, I’m giving thought to how I can ready myself for the event on Sunday which has eternal significance.
Your God is gracious and kind and won’t snub you—come back and he’ll welcome you with open arms.”
We are studying the Heidelburg Catechism with the youth group on Sunday mornings. This past week Q and A 2 used the story of the prodigal son to explain the point. What a picture for all Christians! God welcomes us back with open arms. Boy do we need that alot, right? He won’t snub us. I love that.