Mike’s Musings ….

Matthew 6:33

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Now compare this to the inspired statement of Paul in Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Which of these commandments will agree with the willful neglect of assembling with the saints? And while we’re at it, which passage suggests “providential hindrances?” (That phrase has always bothered me. If “providence” is God’s care of us, how does God hinder us from obeying Him? Thus, the phrase “providential hindrances” doesn’t make much sense to me!)

   I agree that sickness, death, and in some critical circumstances, even our work prevents us from assembling. But if the death of a loved one, sickness, or some other “unforeseen circumstance” would arise, if that “unpreventable hazard” would not keep us from work or school or other duties, it shouldn’t keep us from assembling to worship our God! Priorities exist in everything we do, and we acknowledge their importance and necessity for the accurate completion of our obligations. The same is true of worshipping our God. Jesus Christ set the “priority” for us when He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and the spirit emphasizes it when Paul wrote, of Jesus, “In all things He might have the preeminence.” NOTHING should ever come before our service to God, and Christ, and to seeking the eternal kingdom of heaven.

   I muse on how often Christians offer no regard to those two passages. Some live as though God “owes” them the blessings of life, and as if Christ requires preeminence only on Sunday mornings. What passage would they use to “justify” their behavior? When you consider Hebrews 10:25 with these passages, how does “less” equal “more?” Is it not the case many have taken extreme liberties with the commandments of our Lord, and ignore the supremacy of God, Christ, and the kingdom of God? When did God give Man the authority to say and do what he wishes in respect to serving God acceptably with reverence and godly fear? If God hasn’t granted man that authority, it is incredibly and eternally foolish to assume man can say and do whatever man wants to do, and think he still pleases God!

   May I suggest everyone read Hebrews 10:26-27? “If we sin willfully, after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversary.” Where does this grant man the “right” to miss the assembling for any reason man can control? We look forward to seeing you this evening!