In Isaiah 2:2-4, the prophet describes many nations coming to the mount of the Lord to worship Jehovah. They joyously come to the house of the Lord with their focus on God, and, when we come together to worship, we should be as eager and as willing as those people described by Isaiah. When we are coming together, it might be easy to lose sight of the significance of our assembling. We might be looking forward to seeing one another. Perhaps assembly is just a tradition to some of, but we should be striving to be the house of Jehovah as described in Isaiah 2.

Going Up to God’s House

We Must Truly Worship Together. The word “assemble” carries with it a meaning of togetherness. In Hebrews 10:22-25, the Hebrew author warns us against forsaking the assembling of the church. However, it is possible to assemble without truly being together. If our attitudes and our mindsets are improper, if we treat each other coldly, if we are bearing grudges or hostilities, then we are not really together in our worship. In Psalms 122:1, the psalmist records that he is glad to go up to Jehovah’s house, and chapters 120-123 are psalms that reflect the journey to go and worship God. Acts 2:42-46 picture the early Christians as being very close-knit, and this theme remains throughout the book. When we worship, we should truly do so together.

We Should Be Inviting Others. Isaiah 2:3 records worshippers calling for others to come with them. God’s message is not only for those who are already coming. We should be inviting others. In John 1:29-45 and in chapter 4:28-29 as well as other passages, we can read about people inviting friends and relatives to come and see Jesus. Others will not come on their own accord. We must be actively encouraging others to come and join us in worship.

We Should Be Learning God’s Word. In Isaiah 2:3, God’s word is taught on the mount. We should have a reputation as a congregation of learners. The Bereans of Acts 17:11 are noted because of their eagerness to receive the word and examine the scriptures. Like them, we should be willing accept the truth of God and we should be willing to confirm what we are hearing is truth. We should be Bible students. In Acts 7:51-52 demonstrates the opposite mindset when Stephen rebukes his accusers of consistently rejecting God due to their stubborn pride. Our hearts should be open and receptive to God’s word.

His Paths Must be Ours. We should be ready to obey once we receive God’s word. It’s one thing to hear. It is another to put what we hear into practice. In James 1:23-25, we are encouraged to do the word that we hear – to apply what we are learning. THe house of the Lord should consist of people who are willing to be taught and willing to follow that word. Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer recognizes his need for change, and he asks, “What must I do to be saved?”

We Should Be a Peaceful People. In Isaiah 2:4, the worshippers are described as fashioning their weapons into tools of agriculture. There may always be conflict in the world, and the struggle between man and Satan is unending. In Isaiah 9:6, our Christ is described as a prince of peace. He reconciles us to God. He comforts and consoles us, and we should reflect those same qualities toward one another. In I Peter 3:11, we are encouraged to seek and pursue peace. Philippians 4:9 describes our God as one of peace, and James 3:17-18 reminds us that peace begets peace. We are united in brotherly love.

Conclusion

God’s people should be eager to assemble in peace and unity. We should be willing to learn God’s word and apply it, and we should be trying to bring others with us. This is what it means to be the house of the Lord, and this is the ideal we should strive for continually.

lesson by Tim Smelser