Living In The Light

April 27, God’s People Should Gather

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
—1 John 1:3 LL 126.1

The Lord Jesus commanded that three times each year His people should assemble at Jerusalem to observe His appointed ordinances. These gatherings were for their good, for their spiritual advantage. In them better knowledge was obtained in regard to their spiritual service. If they would, all might catch the bright beams of light, that with John they could say, “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the words of life, declare we unto you; that ye may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1, 3). LL 126.2

The deprivation felt when people absent themselves from the gatherings of the people of God is not small. As children of God we are to place ourselves in every gathering of God, where His people are commissioned to be present and give the Word of life. All need light, and all the help that can be obtained, in order that when they have heard and received the precious messages from heaven through God’s appointed agents, they may be prepared to bestow upon others the light given. . . . LL 126.3

True grace is to be received before it can be diffused. It is active, penetrative, aggressive. By the hearing of the Word new ideas flash into the receptive heart and mind of every soul, for God is giving His message to His needy people. Unless the heart is barricaded against light, the seed, the living seed, cast into the living soil will regenerate the heart, and produce fruit which will increase more and more. LL 126.4

It is humanity’s privilege to accept the providences and blessings placed within their reach, and then to find others and communicate to them the knowledge of the truth. When this important responsibility is fully appreciated, all will realize the necessity of obtaining all the knowledge of truth and grace possible, in order that they can diffuse it to those with whom they are brought in contact.—Letter 117, 1896. LL 126.5

Further Reflection: : In our current media age, many choose to watch worship services rather than attend them in person at church. While this may be the only option for some, what is lost when God’s people fail to gather in corporate worship? LL 126.6