Why are you going to church today? For whom have you lived all week? Are you seeking Him through repentance?

10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.

The tendency is to go to church–whether in person or online–out of habit. What we need is a refresher course on WHY CHURCH? We go to church to meet with other Christians. We fellowship, worship together, praise the name of Jesus, and then listen to our pastor who has a message from the LORD for us. We then respond to this message by aligning ourselves to the commands of the Word of God and the message from His servant, our shepherd, and pledge ourselves to Jesus. We should be rejuvenated and recharged in our spirits as we head into another week.

If we consider church like an urgent care center, we find in the waiting room sick people and hurt people who are waiting to “see the doctor.” The pastor is the one who takes us back to the examination room where the Great Physician sees us. Sometimes, in order to get better, the doctor has to hurt us, for instance, a broken arm needs setting, or a splinter needs to be removed. If they have any of that bright orange stuff my mom used to put on our injuries, THAT HURTS! But, it disinfects and protects until the body heals.

Concerning our verse, we go to church to hear from the Holy Spirit. We pray that He will speak to us through the singing, the reading of the Word, and/or through the message. WE NEED A FRESH WORD FROM THE LORD. Even if it is a rebuke, we relish it because it is from Him.

King David felt the same way:

⁵ Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it,
    for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers [even myself].

How would you prefer to be corrected, through a rebuke or through consequences? At least, through a rebuke you recognize that the LORD is trying to correct you. Through consequences, many people miss the fact that they are even being reprimanded. They think it’s just bad luck.

Let’s go to church (even virtual church) with the idea of hearing from God today. Let’s praise Him along with the singers and then listen to the sermon with the idea of God speaking to us. Then let’s respond to His Spirit. Let’s determine in our hearts to be and do according to what He has revealed to us about ourselves and what He has told us to do. Even His rebuke is encouraging “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son [child].” Hebrews 12:6.

Abba, I pray that as I lead music today that I would be the lead worshiper. May my life be in alignment with You so that I may be a clean conduit of Your love and grace. May joy be my garment today as I praise You. May You speak to Your children as we meet together. I know You will be present. May Your Spirit link us with those who are still at home. May they sense Your love and concern, O LORD. Bless us as Your people. Call us to Your work. Amen.