In the fourth chapter of Luke, Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth. Luke tells us, that on the Sabbath, Jesus went to synagogue “as was his custom.” Jesus felt that it was important to worship God the Father on a regular basis. The question is, “Why?” Why was going to worship one of Jesus’ customs? 

 
First and foremost, Jesus was a human being. He faced what you and I face everyday. Sadness and happiness. Frustration and achievement. Disappointment and joy. Despair and hope. As a human being Jesus needed the re-affirmation of hope, faith, and love that comes only from the Word of God. A message all of us need. 

Second, Jesus came to worship to be with other people. You are not called to be “The Lone Christian.” You are a child of God. One of God’s many children. Worship then is indeed a family reunion. A chance to get together as a family. To laugh together, to work together, to cry together, to uplift and sustain each other. Here are real people who are genuinely concerned about you. Not because they can get some favor from you, but because we are all in this together. When we stumble and fall it is good to know that someone will be there to give us a hand and not leave us under the bus. Something that all of us need. 

 
Third, Jesus came to give thanks to God for all the blessings he received. Today too many churches and too many pastors tell you that money, power, and popularity are yours if you believe in Jesus. Nowhere in the whole Word of God does it say that. If that’s all you have be thankful for then you have missed the boat totally. You were blessed when you opened your eyes for another day of life. Remember, tomorrow is 
promised to no one. You have a roof over your head, food on the table, and a loving family. Beautiful trees, flowers, green grass, and blue skies are all blessings. 

 
Fourth, we have a God who loves us. A God who sent his only son out of his love for us. A God who forgives and forgets our sins. A God who will save us from our bondage to sin and death. A God who gives us eternal life. And those are just a few of the reasons our custom should be attending worship. Can’t make it Sunday? Join us on Wednesday at 6:30pm. It is another opportunity to be with God and each other. 
 

Veritas - Curt