Early yesterday morning, four men and a young boy met at a restaurant for Christian fellowship. As usual – always keeping His promise – our Lord’s presence was strongly felt at our table. “Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
The presence of the young boy is never a distraction, but always a blessing. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14) He is a great reminder to us of the child-like (not childish) innocence and awe we need to hold onto as God’s children. The love between father and son is also inspiring; especially as we approach our Heavenly Father together in prayer to bless our food and our fellowship.
I am especially grateful for my two Christian brothers who make it possible for me to attend. Their care and patience getting me from my door to the car, from the car to the restaurant table, back to the car, and then back into my home again is wonderful! It is always a slow and often painful process, but this time I had what I call Rice Krispy knees (Snap, Crackle and Pop), which made walking even more of a challenge. The love and assistance of those two wonderful friends and brothers in Christ got me safely home as always and it was very much worth all of the effort and pain.
Why am I sharing all of this with you? It is because fellowship with other Christians is a very important part of the Christian life. It is a part that has been missing for many during the past year due to social distancing and isolation that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic. Worship, prayer and Bible study are critical, of course, but there is nothing to compare to meeting in a small group for fellowship with Jesus and each other. The joy of sharing problems, prayer requests, praise reports, laughter at our latest misadventure or the latest humorous story we have heard and (last but certainly not least) breaking bread together is so inspiring, encouraging and important. I’m always exhausted when I get home from our breakfast meetings, but I am also full both physically and spiritually. I think it is a taste of what it must have been like as a member of one of first century churches we read about in the New Testament.
I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life that it boggles my mind sometimes. I pray that each of you reading this have a growing number of Christian brothers and sisters around you to provide the fellowship and support you need as you live your best life for Christ.