July 10, 2013
Home, Hotel, Hospital, Heaven?
Hebrews 10:24-25 — And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and aso much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
I wonder how many messages you’ve heard based on this verse from Hebrews. Look, if you’re reading this you probably go to church already. That’s not what this is about …
I’m sitting in this cool London hotel where I’m lucky enough to be staying (it’s not ritzy, but anywhere that has bunnies in the room and espresso in the lobby is OK by me!). It struck me … I wonder if this is how some people see church? I’ll explain what I mean in a bit. And then I started to think about how different people might look at church … differently …
You know there are people (who don’t come to church because of it) who think churches are supposed to be mini heavens full of saints waiting to be called to Heaven, I don’t know about but as for me I know a couple of things. First, they wouldn’t let me in! Don’t hold it against me, but I’m not a saint — or at least, not the kind of saint that would be in such a place. Second, if they did let me in, I’d go crazy ….
Now Timothy Keller the wonderful founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, New York says “The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints”. That certainly goes with what Jesus said, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The trouble is, I don’t like hospitals. I’m sorry, I just don’t. They often feel cold and regimented — run for the staff and not the inmates. All too often, people don’t get well.
It does seem that some people see churches as hotels. You know — turn up when you feel like it, and not when you don’t. Pick the accommodations that suit you. Move to another house if you don’t like the decor, the staff, the music … No need to do your share of the chores, no need to get to know anyone you don’t like the look of … The biggest difference, I suppose, is that a lot of people find the bill optional!
No, for me, church is like home. Some of the furniture needs a refresh, I’m expected to help with the running costs, and dig in with the odd jobs. I don’t get to choose who I share with — all family members are welcome, and nobody’s perfect. I don’t always get to hear what I want to hear — sometimes there are awkward truths, and (very rarely!) I don’t always like all the music. I get fed — spiritually, emotionally and sometimes even physically. I’ve even been known to have the odd snooze …
When you assemble with us in church are you coming to heaven, hotel or hospital, or are you coming home?