Recombobulation Area

I recently saw a photo from an airport just past their security checkpoint that read "Recombobulation Area." It was the designated spot where after going through security you could put your shoes back on, put your belt back on, put your phone back in your pocket, put on your watch and jewelry you recently removed, and generally get recombobulated.

All those who have flown know just how necessary an area like this can be. As I pondered the sign, I like to do that you know, I was struck that we need one of those at the entrance to our sanctuary. After going through another week of challenges, temptations, disappointment, celebrations, hardships, confusion, exhaustion, and more we need a place to recombobulate. I think the church needs to borrow this idea and put up signs in our churches. Isn't that was Worship is all about? We come to share our concerns, praise God for another week of life, hear his promises, and be restored, refreshed, and recombobulated.

God is the great recombobulator - Let's put that on a bumper sticker. Who better than God to put us all back together again, the one who created us and formed us? and what better place than where it all began in the Water and Word of Holy Baptism?

I was glad when they said to me,“Let us go to the house of the LORD!”

Psalm 122:1 (ESV)

So what are some of the benefits and blessings of gathering together each Sunday?

First of all, gathering in worship weekly helps us to grow in our faith and knowledge of God. When we worship together, we hear God's word preached, we sing praises to Him, we pray for one another, and we fellowship with other Christians. All of these activities help us to learn more about who God is, what He has done for us, and what He expects from us. They also challenge us to apply God's word to our lives and to obey His commands.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Secondly, gathering in worship weekly strengthens our bond with the church community. As Christians, we are not meant to live in isolation but to be part of a family of God - The Body of Christ. When we worship together, we show our love and support for one another, we encourage and edify each other, we share our joys and sorrows, and we bear one another's burdens. We also learn from each other's experiences and gifts, and we serve one another with our talents and resources.

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:1-5 (ESV)

Thirdly, gathering in worship weekly reminds us of our mission and purpose in the world. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world, to be witnesses of Christ's love and grace, and to make disciples of all nations. When we worship together, we are reminded of this calling and inspired to live it out.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Last but by no means least, we also receive God's means of Grace and recombobulation as our sins are forgiven and we partake in the Sacrament of the Altar - receiving Grace and strength for our days, and a certain reminder of our place in God's kingdom. It is here we are empowered and encouraged for our ministry of making disciples.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson,they shall become like wool.

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

So, as you can see, gathering in worship weekly is not just a duty or a habit, but a privilege and a joy and a needed chance to put ourselves back together. It is a way of honoring God, growing in Christ, loving the church, and serving the world. I hope you will join me in making worship and our recombobulation a priority in your life. God bless you!