"What are you going to do now?"

"And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God."

(Luke 24:52-53)

When any of the major spots have their championship and an MVP is named (ie. Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Championship, etc.), tradition (and marketing!) has it that they make a trip to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. "Peyton Manning, you've just won the Super Bowl... what are you going to do now?!?!" "I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!" To borrow a phrase from GEICO, "it's what you do."

In the last chapter of Luke's gospel, Jesus makes a post-resurrection appearance to the disciples. He appears among them and joins in a fish-dinner, before dropping some Bible study gems on them and calling them to go and spread his message. Then he ascends to heaven, while they're watching. It must have been a mystifying, inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience for them (kind of like winning the Super Bowl! But better!). But instead of heading off to Disneyland (or some other amusement/entrainment/celebration locale), they go to church (to the Temple!). All the time. Luke tells us they were "continually in the temple blessing God."

We were created to be in relationship with others, and to experience joy and transcendence. Worship is a wonderful way to do that. We connect with each other and with God. We give and are filled.

What a great example for us. May we spend more and more time "in the temple" (church) with people who will encourage, strengthen, and challenge us to be all that God has called us to be. We'll expend our energy and passion in ways that deepen and stretch us, and ultimately make us better.