Those wholehearted for Christ desire to be in His company. They instinctively make their way to where He is known to be. Is this possible? Yes, “Where two or three are gathered together unto My name.” No one who is truly conscious of the greatness and excellency of His Person, and the blessedness of communion with Him, would be willingly absent there.

A neglected Lord’s Table, and prayer meeting, speak aloud of the Laodicean state of the heart. Of old, “they persevered in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles, in breaking of bread and prayers” (Acts 2:42). Alas, that there should be such a lack of perseverance now!

Does the Lord say to the Father, “In the midst of the assembly will I sing Thy praises” (Heb. 2:12), and can we suppose that He fails to notice whether we are there or not, to join in the song He leads? In the coming day of review before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10), how shall we take the disclosure that self-indulgence, a little unfavorable weather, or a small argument with a brother or sister in Christ has outweighed all the motives for a loving response to His wish, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19)?

It is deeply humbling to think that any who have tasted the Lord’s love can take advantage of not having to work on the Lord’s Day to spend its morning hours in bed, and that others can excuse their absence on the ground of visiting, or receiving visits from friends. Priceless opportunities of gratifying the heart of the Lord and of showing attachment to Him in the scene of His rejection are thus lost. It is mere mockery to repeat, “Come, Lord Jesus,” when we betray our indifference to His presence here.