Sometimes when I sit down to read my Bible I think, “I’ve read this part a thousand times.”  Then I begin to work through the scripture and find there’s something new in that old familiar story.  I realize again that the Spirit always has a new insight to challenge and guide me.

The other day, I was reading in Matthew chapter 9.  As I went through verses 14 and 15, a new thought came to me.  In The Message the verses read:

A little later John’s followers approached, asking, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don’t?”  Jesus told them, “When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on the cake and wine.  You feast.  Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now.  No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire.  This is Kingdom Come!”

What came to me was that when Christians meet we are getting together to celebrate the coming of God’s Kingdom.  We are celebrating our shared citizenship in His Kingdom, and basking in the realization that Jesus is here with us.  Our hearts are filled with joy as we honor the one who made it all possible.