Are You Longing for Christian Fellowship? … by Mike Bliss

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 11 – 12; Proverbs 28; Psalm 136 – 140

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read the “0428 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.”  – (Philippians 1:8)

A little over a month ago, our Nation, States, Townships, and most importantly churches entered into the current situation of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. As an Adult Bible Class Leader for our church, we suddenly faced the problem in that we were not able to assemble as normal in order to protect against the spreading of the virus. I certainly was not pleased with this new situation, but we chose to make the most of it. We adapted, and by the second Sunday we convened our class virtually via the Zoom Video Conferencing Application.  

During these first few weeks of the quarantine, I reflected on the Apostle Paul’s situation as he was imprisoned in “House Arrest” in the city of Rome. We know he authored many letters during his time in Rome, relying on the “Zoom” technology of his day, the written letter and personal courier.  In those letters, we are able to grasp Paul’s heart-felt compassion for his fellow believers that he left behind from his missionary journeys.  We see in the first chapter of the Book of Philippians in verse 8, Paul states “I long after you all”, referring to the believers in Philippi. Not only did Paul “long” to be with the people, but in verse 3 of the same chapter he thanks God: “upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).  Likewise, in verse 4, Paul makes a point to mention that he “with joy” prays for the same believers. (Philippians 1:4)

When we did host that first Zoom Bible class session, can I report that our class thoroughly enjoyed seeing and fellowshipping with each other. Just like the Apostle Paul, we “longed” to see and talk to our class members, and even to the point that we took for granted such a luxury of assembling for church services. We are blessed by today’s technology in that we are able to not just talk, but to visually see people in locations around the world. As a retired U.S. Army Soldier, I have experienced many extended periods away from my family in the service of our great Nation. I assure you during all of those occasions of separation that from the minute I was dropped off at our base for the start of the mission, I “longed” to be home with my family.  That feeling never subsides until we are re-united again with our family.  As each day goes by during this season of separation, are we longing to see our fellow church believers? Do we “long” for Christian fellowship like the Apostle Paul expressed for the believers in Philippi?