The sign outside the church states, "Worship Service--Sunday at 11:00 a.m." That ought to stop traffic. Passersby should take out their pens and jot the time down in their datebooks. When a church gathers to worship, astonishing things take place.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews opens our understanding of the privilege and glory of worship. He declared that we have come to "the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn" (12:22-23).

The writer did not say, "You shall come," as though he were describing some future experience on the other side of death. We are part of a universal fellowship right now. When we worship, we gather with believers of all nations--with all who sing the same praises, read the same Bible, and bow before the same Lord. We also join with thousands upon thousands of angels who sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev. 5:12).

Whether we meet with a handful or with hundreds, let's join with the great company of angels and our fellow believers around the world in lifting our hearts in praise.  — Haddon W. Robinson