Guest of Honor

With an upcoming birthday, a party has been planned for my son by his girlfriend. We were happy to offer to host the event in our home. And so the planning and preparation began.
Several of my son's friends have been invited for the special occasion. The party will provide an opportunity for them to come and honor Jon on his special day. Each guest will prepare and make the trip to our home to share in Jon’s special evening. Some guests will attend from as much as an hour away.
The event has been planned with Jon in mind. The decorations and menu fit with his style and interests. The guest list includes those with whom he has common interests and a relationship. This is his special occasion and all has been planned to bless him.
Although Jon is the guest of honor at this party, the intent is for everyone to have a good time. Because they share common interests the planned events will be enjoyable to the other guests as well as to Jon. The food and games are meant to be shared by all. It would be foolish to plan a party that would bring joy to the guest of honor but be a chore for all else who attended. It would also be inappropriate to plan an event that would be fun for the guests but not recognize the preferences of the one being honored.
When we gather to worship, Jesus should always be the Guest of Honor. He is the reason we have gathered. This is the time to honor Jesus by sharing our heartfelt expressions of love and appreciation for who He is and all that He has done. As wonderful as it is to gather with the people of God, our attention must be focused primarily on the Lord.

The Lord desires to be in our midst. “For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20 AMP) He calls for all to come to Him. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP) And we come with grateful hearts.

“He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:23 AMP) Before we come together with others, we should prepare to bring our offering of praise to the Lord. This can be done in many ways. Each of us should engage in individual worship prior to joining with others to praise the Lord.  Reflection on all that He has done for us will fill our hearts with love and appreciation.

As friends of Jesus we also will enjoy sweet times of worship with Him. Jesus said, “I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]” (John 15:15 AMP) We have been invites as cherished friends to celebrate with the King of Kings. He is due all honor and praise. Yet He desires that we be blessed in His presence. “One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all. Yet grace (God's unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift. Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.” (Ephesians 4:6-8 AMP) Our supreme, sovereign Lord receives our praise and He extends grace and bestows gifts to His followers.

So we gather to worship the Lord Jesus with a heart that is full praise and gratitude just waiting to be expressed.
“Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 AMP) We are blessed as we bless Him, because the King of Kings has the best parties.

So prepare to bring tribute to the King of Kings and participate in the party honoring Him. Both He and you will be blessed.