Fellowship

Autumn is my favorite season.  The air is crisp and cool, pumpkins dot the fields, and trees ablaze in fiery colors of orange, red, and gold fill the landscape.  Brittle leaves skitter across the road and rain begins to tap-tap-tap at the window.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Family and friends will gather around the table and enjoy a special meal together.  As bowls and platters are passed around, perhaps we will share what we are thankful for, or recount stories from past Thanksgiving gatherings.  We will look at each person around our table, smile, and be thankful for their presence in our lives and this opportunity to enjoy fellowship.

I have so much to be thankful for, and today my thoughts are focused on fellowship.  It is truly amazing to me that not only can we enjoy fellowship with each other, but with God Himself.  At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the veil in the Tabernacle was torn in two from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51).  After His resurrection, He encountered Mary in the garden and told her, “Go to My brethren, and say to them ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'” (John 20:17, emphasis mine)

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”  (John 20:21-22)

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”  (Romans 8:14-17)

“This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”  (Ephesians 3:11-12)

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:16)

As we draw near to each other today for a time of fellowship, let us draw near to Him and remember His provision, grace, and mercy.  Scripture promises that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, and  for that I am truly thankful.