2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Leviticus 7:28-9:6 ESV, Mark 3:31-4:25 ESV, Psalm 37:12-29 ESV, Proverbs 10:5 ESV
Daily Verse: “Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.” (Mark 4:1 ESV)
SUNAGO (4863): “To lead together, i.e. collect or convene; spec. to entertain (hospitably), be assembled, take in, accompany, bestow, lead into, resort.”[I]
Gather.
When Jesus spoke, people listened. The more the Savior talked, the more people heard His words. Each person’s life impacted by the words Jesus taught. God’s Son gave them a new way to think collectively.
Assembling with other believers energizes. When my husband and I attend church on Sunday, I leave encouraged. Watching young families walk into the building, often rushing, gives me hope for the future. Listening to the voices of the congregation sing worship songs to God spurs me onward. Surrounding myself with other people seeking Jesus affirms my faith, motivates my walk, and inspires me like nothing else.
Collectively believing.
Typically, people surround themselves with others who think the way they do, collectively believing the same things. Gathering strengthens our faith as we explore our beliefs with others of like mind.
Applying Jesus’s teachings to our lives requires listening, then acting. Our purpose remains the same: love God and love others (Mark 12:30-31). Living our lives in a community helps us learn how to accomplish the goal.
Gather regularly with other believers. Grow together as you learn more about Jesus. Listen intently to God’s Son.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p.239) Thomas Nelson
