Last Wednesday I took Matthew, my 3-year-old son and shopping partner, on a late-night Publix run to pick up some necessities. I found one of those really cool toddler shopping carts- the ones that look like a race car with the flames along the sides- and we were racing into the store- when Matthew spotted the bouquets of roses just inside the doors. He said, “get some for mamãe!” Sensing that he was onto something and that my bride would appreciate a vase full of dying plants (it had been a while, plus they were on sale), I really had no choice but to pick some up. As it turns out, Matthew’s instincts were spot on.
I was rewarded with a huge smile, a kiss, and a hug when I got home. The response was wonderful, because I haven’t seen that gorgeous smile as much recently. Camilla has been putting in tons of work, home-schooling our children and serving a primary caretaker for Theo. She is exhausted and under unimaginable stress. I am so fortunate to have her, and thankful for all she does. However, it is easy to take her for granted, or at least, not communicate my appreciation for her as often as I should. I don’t understand why Camilla likes roses. They’re pretty and smell good, but they die within a few days. I think a big screen TV would be so much more romantic. Y’all, pray for Camilla. If I’m to show proper affection for my wife, I need to do it in a way she understands- that resonates with her heart. I don’t know if any other husbands or boyfriends need to hear this today, but roses are on sale again this week, BOGO at Publix.
Seriously though- how can we show affection for those we love? It’s kind of challenging to communicate how special they are to us. But we need to do something. It is all too easy to let opportunities like this slip by. The opportunity to demonstrate love and appreciation for those closest to us. Those who have done so much for us and mean so much to us. Love must prompt some kind of action.
How can we respond to the greatest love of all? Love so strong that would compel someone to die for another? How could we repay another for dying for us, or as we celebrate veteran’s day this weekend, how can we say thank you to all those who have put their lives in the line of fire to preserve the freedoms and this great country that we enjoy living in today?
Of course, the greatest love we have ever experienced, or has ever existed, is that love that compelled God to send His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. What can or should we do in response? How do we communicate appreciation for Him in a way that pleases Him? We’re going to get a glimpse of what heavenly worship looks like this weekend. Quite literally, a door into heaven was opened for John in a vision, which he recorded for our instruction and application today. We see a picture of amazing creatures in a beautiful, sin-free environment, worshiping the LORD in a manner only He deserves.
I invite you to join with us this weekend as we learn about adoration in action from Revelation chapter 4. Our socially distanced service is Saturday afternoon at 3:30, and our Sunday morning service is at 10:15, which you can join in person or online. We also have Sunday School classes at 9 for all ages.
Have a great weekend and I look forward to pursuing Christ, Community, and the Great Commission Together with you soon!
-Pastor Nathan Rice