Those who are born again have been given a love for God's saints. There needs to be growth in the virtue of loving the saints of God, an idea foreign to the world's thinking. "In His holy courts they flourish." God manifests Himself in a special way there. The "dwellings of Jacob" refers to private family devotions, which are so important. Yet, God tells us that He loves "the gates of Zion" more, the place where His presence is, for there He is glorified. Our God is covetous of the assembly of the saints. Coming down to where we live, it is harder in many ways for a smaller church to maintain fellowship with each other, as differences are more easily manifest. In the assembly, our presence contributes to its health, unity, and strength. We note the example of Joshua and Caleb, who didn't allow 40 years of dwelling with an apostate generation to dampen their zeal and love for God. God will move, as He sees fit, in His church. Our churches need to reflect the Lord Jesus Christ. |