Gathering: 9-27-15

Rambunctious.

Frenetic.

Spirited.

As a group, we are, for the most part, introverts. Some of us, break that pattern, but, for the most part, we are people who think before we speak and are thoughtful in the things we say.

Our gatherings, even the moments we are taking the bread and cup, are interactive. Anyone may speak. Yet, while many different people do talk, the tone of our gatherings is calm and very, very orderly.

Usually.

But, not today.

We follow the 1 Corinthians 14:26 pattern and encourage everyone to come with a hymn and, as a general rule, at least two, three or more of us suggest a song or two.

Today, I felt led to suggest that we sing Holy, Holy, Holy and I asked if I could read Revelation 4, upon which the song is based, before we sang the song.

The Scripture reading and the singing of the hymn took over the day.

What happened afterward certainly felt led by the Spirit to me and resulted in the singing of "Worthy, You are Worthy" and "Thou Art Worthy" and the reading of John 1:1-14 and a discussion of the nature of God, existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and a discussion of John's vision in Revelation 4.

And, the whole tone matched the scene described in Revelation 4, vivid, chaotic and reverential. Raucous.

And, I kept up with it and participated in it.

But, by the end, I was worn out!

Just a few notes:

The truths that occupied our attention were deep, centered on what's often called the doctrine of the Trinity.

The progress seemed to me to be extremely Spirit-led. The shifts in direction were frequent and usually not initiated (humanity speaking) by me, not humanly rational, yet they all immediately made sense and edified us.

The taking of the bread and cup felt very spiritual to me and, I think, to everyone.

Even though no one prepares anything for our gatherings, the depth of the truths we encounter are far deeper than when we did the pastor, laity thing.

And, the emphasis is always on faith that produces obedience.

A blessed day.