My wife, Shirley, and I enjoyed a cruise along the fjords of Norway in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. As we journeyed northward, we stopped in numerous towns and villages, often visiting churches. Among them was a 12th-century church that our guide described proudly as still a working church. I asked, What do you mean? She referred to the days of the state church, when the state-appointed pastors simply collected their paychecks but no one attended the services. But this church had been faithfully holding worship services and actively serving the Lord for almost 1,000 years!
I immediately thought of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 to whom Jesus said, I know your works (2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15). In addition, the church of Thessalonica was commended by the apostle Paul for its work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:3).
I also thought of my church at home. For more than 130 years it has been faithful in preaching and caring for its congregation and community. It is truly a working church. What a privilege we have if were part of a local body of believers where we can grow and serve our Lord!
Read: Revelation 2:1-7
Good evening/morning, Mayor, on this trying FR “day”. Thanks for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Thanks for the WORD.
pastors simply collected their paychecks
I hate to say, there are still so many of those today.