Sometimes, thinking of heaven, we sing, "When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there." A more immediate consideration is: where will I be when the roll is called down here? And the roll, in fact, is being called down here - every Sunday morning. Other times, perhaps, also - but certainly every Sunday.

There is an appointed time for the assembly of God's people. This time was hallowed and set apart by the resurrection of Jesus - on Sunday morning. This time has been confirmed in history, as the disciples of Christ have for almost 2,000 years gathered together in a unique kind of communion with the risen and living Christ - on Sunday morning.

No, the roll is not called with a sound of trumpets or any audible bombardment of the human ear. But make no mistake about it: the roll is being called. And I suspect we'll all be in better position to answer at last when the roll is called up yonder, if occasionally, at least, we are in position to answer when the roll is called down here.

I'm happy you are here to answer roll call today!