JUNE 20
Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
Three times a year, faithful Jews made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, as commanded by God (Deuteronomy 16:16). For some, the journey spanned hundreds of miles and took many days, often through rugged terrain and dangerous paths—including the infamous road from Jericho, where bandits were known to strike.
Families traveled in caravans, enduring fatigue, heat, and uncertainty—all for one central purpose: to worship the Lord. Jerusalem, the “city of peace,” housed the Temple, the visible symbol of God’s presence among His people. Despite the hardships, the pilgrims were eager to go, echoing the psalmist’s joyful declaration: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1).
Today, our journey to worship looks very different. We travel in comfort—climate-controlled cars on paved roads, facing few, if any, real threats. We gather in clean, well-equipped buildings, welcomed by friendly faces and a familiar routine. Our seats are cushioned, the service is timed, and afterward we return quickly to our everyday lives. And yet, for many, the desire to attend has faded. Statistics show that church attendance in America is at an all-time low. While there may be many explanations—busyness, convenience, even past hurts—the deeper question remains: What is our motivation?
The psalmist was glad simply to be invited to worship. Are we? Or have we grown indifferent to the very thing others risked so much to experience? The truth is, our motivation must be centered on Jesus. We go because we love Him. We gather because He is worthy. To love Jesus is to long to worship Him with others, to hear His Word faithfully taught, and to use our God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ. Church isn’t a religious habit—it’s a living expression of a relationship with Jesus and His body, the church. The more we are led by the Spirit to love Jesus, the more we will want to be with others who love Him too, expressing that love through shared worship, growth, and service.
“We ought not to worship God in a dull, lifeless manner. We must not be content with attendance—we must draw near in spirit and draw near with joy.” —Charles Spurgeon
Application questions: What is my heart attitude when it comes to gathering with God’s people—is it obligation, indifference, or joyful anticipation? How can I actively contribute to the worship and building up of the church, rather than simply attending?
LookingtoJesus 