A bulletin was written with great truths said,
But nobody prospered, as it was not read.
A prayer was spoken, hoping God heard,
But few members even caught the first word.
The plate was passed, but no one gave,
A fine sermon preached, but no soul saved.
Even the hymns that were meant to give strength,
Drew complaints, because of their length.
Finally supper elements were passed ‘round
All sat silent, with heads bowed down.
But it was not to reflect, to pray, or weep,
As the bread came by, they all were asleep.
After announcements, came the last amen.
The folks jumped up, they were revived again.
As one brother pulled his coat off the rod,
He said, "Isn’t it wonderful to worship God."
Moral
As we gather the first day of the week,
To pray to God and to hear Him speak,
Let us not sleep, nor watch the clock.
Men may be fooled, but God is not mocked.
-Ron Roberts
Worshiping God is a privilege. David said, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Ps. 122:1). We should be joyful as well with the opportunity to assemble with the saints.
The poem above was not written due to anything I have witnessed at West Knoxville. Several have mentioned reading the bulletin. During the preaching in the worship service I have seen no members dozing off. The hymn singing is with enthusiasm, and the prayers are spoken and heard with great conviction. I have no complaints about what I have seen, and the Roberts family is glad to be a part of the work of the Lord in this location.
We need to continue to grow by faithful attendance and attention in the assemblies. In Nehemiah 8 the people came to the priest and requested preaching of the law. The text tells us the people stood when the book was opened (5). They responded with saying amen, lifting their hands, bowing their heads, and having their faces to the ground (6). The King James Version tells us they were attentive even though the service went from morning until midday (3). Worship is not something only the leaders do. Those who direct in the service have obligations to make the Bible clear (8), but all who are God’s people need to enter into the worship. This is fellowship among the saints.
Jesus tells us that we are to worship in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24). That is, we are to have the right attitude as we do the right actions. The attitude should be one of joy and reverence from all of God’s people.
