Three Words Can Transform Our Gatherings.

Being invited to pray for and speak to a church staff recently, I hoped to use something written by that unique mountain preacher, Vance Havner. I found the quote I wanted, but in the search I also unearthed another gem from one of Dr. Havner's sermon books. He died over 30 years ago, yet this particular message works amazingly in the dilemma of planning anything during a pandemic. He gives 3 words which--if applied--will truly transform the frustrations of event planning.

The three words are "Look Who's Here!"

I actually heard Vance Havner preach this message in person many years ago, so I was delighted to come across it again and to realize how "2020" it is! Brother Havner introduces the message by saying, When someone shows up unexpectedly, or when we suddenly encounter someone we have wanted to see or have not seen in a long time, we sometimes say, "Look who's here!" That expression could have been used often in the Bible.

Then Dr. Havner cites several examples from Scripture, some of them being disheartened people who "suddenly encountered" our Lord Jesus Christ. In each case, rather than staying in despair or discouragement about how things appeared, they brightened up and certainly might've thought, "Look Who's here!" Jesus transformed every bleak situation into something wonderful, just by showing up; His presence alone was all that was needed! The greatest example was the resurrected Jesus appearing in triumph to his previously despondent disciples, who very well might've shouted, "Look Who's HERE!"

Let's bring that thought into our 'Covid culture.' Whether planning a worship service,

wedding or funeral, staff meeting, sports event, anniversary or birthday celebration, or that once-in-a-lifetime gathering, the main focus now seems to be on who WON'T be coming. There's live streaming, zooming, phone conferencing, ezTALK--and the list goes on. Some have even put cardboard cut-outs of those who are not there in the pews and in the stands. And now recent research shows that numbers of people aren't planning to return anytime soon--not because of the pandemic, but because they simply don't care that much about coming back!

And even for the ones who gather, there's now the physical distancing and lack of hugs or handshakes; the separated people attending are frequently masked and speak (and sing) in muffled voices. An unfamiliar atmosphere sometimes seems to form a cloud over our once-joyous occasions. No handouts, no sermon notes, no printed reminders. The "look-who-(or what)-is-NOT-here" mindset could surface pretty naturally.

That's where the 3 words come in. Let's change the natural phrase into a supernatural one! Let's begin to look around at our gatherings and shout, "LOOK WHO'S HERE!" We serve a living Savior, Who's in the world today! And He is here, hallelujah; He is here, AMEN! He has promised that when two or three of are gathered in His name, He will be there in the midst of us; let's celebrate H!M!

When I was growing up, I remember a choir director who'd look around for a certain lady in the choir; if she wasn't there, he'd call off choir that week. As I recall the woman did have a good strong voice--but Mama (who played the piano) always felt badly for all the other singers who had made the effort to come. That choir leader had the 'LWNH (Look Who's Not Here) Syndrome!'

Why don't you and I make an agreement that whatever group we're in, we're going to remind ourselves that the presence of the living Lord Jesus Christ in our gathering is all we need! As we look around, let's jubilantly say to ourselves--and to each other--"LOOK WHO'S HERE!"