A convocation is a gathering or assembly, often for a special purpose. The Bible speaks about God’s people coming together in worship and unity. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture encourages us to gather as believers and honor God together.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Fairy Tales
What Does The Bible Say About Convocation
Leviticus 23:2
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred convocations.”
In this verse, God commands the Israelites to observe specific festivals as convocations, or sacred gatherings. Convocation implies a gathering of people for a specific purpose, often to worship and seek the presence of God.
It teaches us the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate and worship God, creating an atmosphere of unity and reverence.
Numbers 10:2
“Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for signaling the breaking of camp.”
In this verse, God instructs Moses to make trumpets to call the community together. The sound of the trumpets would serve as a means of communication and gathering, marking important events and the movement of the camp.
It reminds us that convocations require organization and clear communication, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and coordination within the community.
2 Chronicles 30:21
“The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests praised the LORD every day with resounding instruments dedicated to the LORD.”
This verse describes a convocation of the Israelites during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. It highlights the joyful celebration and worship that took place during this special gathering.
It teaches us the importance of rejoicing and praising God when we gather together, emphasizing the role of music and worship in creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Nehemiah 8:2
“So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.”
In this verse, Ezra brings the Law before a convocation of people who gather to hear and understand the Word of God. The assembly consisted of both men and women who had the ability to comprehend.
It emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the Word of God when we come together, encouraging active engagement and participation in the convocation.
Psalm 42:4
“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.”
The psalmist recalls the joy and praise experienced in gathering with others in the house of God. The festive throng represents the convocation of God’s people.
It reminds us of the joy and anticipation that accompanies our gatherings with fellow believers, encouraging us to approach convocations with a spirit of exuberant praise and worship.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This psalm highlights the significance of unity within the community of God’s people. The verse expresses the goodness and pleasantness that results from believers coming together in harmony.
It reminds us that convocations provide an opportunity for believers to cultivate unity and foster a sense of togetherness, creating an environment that is pleasing to God and beneficial to all.
Isaiah 2:3
“Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
This verse prophesies a future convocation of diverse peoples who will gather to learn from the Lord and follow His ways. It speaks of a time when God’s teachings will be central to convocations.
It reminds us that convocations should be centered around the Word of God, providing opportunities for learning, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of His will.
Jeremiah 33:11
“…the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, ‘Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.’ For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,” says the LORD.”
These words from Jeremiah describe a joyful convocation where people bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, celebrating His goodness and enduring love.
It teaches us that convocations are an opportunity to express gratitude to God, acknowledging His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
In this verse, Jesus assures us that He is present whenever believers gather in His name. The context suggests that even small convocations hold spiritual significance and are not to be underestimated.
It reminds us that the intimate gatherings of believers, whether large or small, are blessed with the presence of Jesus, reinforcing the importance of fellowship and communal worship.
Acts 2:1
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.”
This verse describes the gathering of the disciples on the day of Pentecost. The phrase “all together in one place” signifies a convocation of believers assembled in unity.
It serves as a reminder of the power and significance of convocations, especially those marked by unity, as they can become pivotal moments for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
This verse depicts a convocation where believers gathered on the first day of the week to partake in the Lord’s Supper and hear Paul speak. It highlights the importance of regular convocations and the commitment to teaching and fellowship.
It reminds us of the significance of gathering on the Lord’s day and engaging in communal worship, learning, and spiritual edification.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
In this verse, Paul instructs the Corinthians on the manner of their convocations, emphasizing the active participation and edification of each member. He encourages the diverse use of spiritual gifts for the benefit of the entire congregation.
It reminds us that convocations should provide opportunities for every believer to contribute and grow, fostering an environment of mutual edification and the building up of the church.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
These verses exhort believers to actively consider and encourage one another in love and good deeds, emphasizing the importance of regular convocations. It warns against the temptation to neglect gathering together.
It reminds us that convocations provide a vital platform for mutual encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth, particularly in anticipation of the return of Christ.
James 2:2-4
“Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
These verses highlight a potential issue within convocations – the temptation to show favoritism and discriminate based on outward appearances. James challenges believers to treat all attendees equally.
It teaches us that convocations should be characterized by impartiality, as genuine community and fellowship transcend the distinctions of wealth, social status, or appearance.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
These words affirm the identity and purpose of believers as a chosen and holy people. They are called to gather and declare the praises of God, testifying to His marvelous works.
It reminds us that convocations are an opportunity to celebrate and proclaim the goodness and redemptive power of God, reflecting on our transformation from darkness to light and our belonging to Him.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of walking in the light of Christ, which enables believers to have fellowship with one another. It speaks of the cleansing and unifying power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
It reminds us that convocations should be marked by a shared commitment to righteousness, transparency, and the mutual support found in Christ’s cleansing and purifying work.
1 Corinthians 5:4
“So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,”
This verse speaks to the authority and spiritual presence of the Lord Jesus when believers are gathered together. It acknowledges the significance of convocations and the unity of the Spirit even in the apostle’s absence.
It reminds us that convocations are not merely social gatherings but opportunities for divine encounters and the manifestation of God’s power and presence.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
In this verse, Paul refers to the Lord’s Supper, highlighting its commemorative nature and its proclamation of Christ’s death and imminent return.
It reminds us that convocations should include the participation in and reflection on the significance of the Lord’s Supper, serving as a reminder of the central aspect of our faith and our hope in Christ’s return.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
These words encourage believers to uplift and edify one another, fostering an environment of encouragement and support within convocations.
It reminds us that convocations provide an opportunity for mutual encouragement and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of building each other up in faith and love.
Hebrews 12:23-24
“to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
These verses describe the spiritual reality and privilege of believers as part of the universal church. They highlight the convocation of all believers in the presence of God.
It reminds us that convocations are connected to the eternal reality of our belonging to the body of Christ and our access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice, inspiring us to approach convocations with reverence and expectation.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse reminds believers not to neglect acts of kindness and generosity towards others, both within and outside of convocations. It speaks to the sacrificial aspect of our service to God and others.
It teaches us that convocations should extend beyond personal spiritual experiences to include acts of service, compassion, and sharing, demonstrating God’s love to those around us.
Revelation 5:9-10
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’
These verses describe a heavenly convocation where redeemed individuals from every tribe, language, people, and nation come together to worship the Lamb, acknowledging His worthiness and the reconciling power of His sacrifice.
It reminds us that our earthly convocations foreshadow the ultimate convocation in heaven, where believers of all backgrounds will gather in perfect unity, praising and serving God for eternity.
In conclusion, convocations in Scripture are depicted as sacred gatherings of God’s people for various purposes such as worship, teaching, fellowship, and celebration. They provide opportunities for unity, mutual encouragement, spiritual growth, and the proclamation of God’s truth. Convocations should be characterized by reverence, participation, inclusivity, and the pursuit of God’s will. They are meant to strengthen and edify believers, fostering a sense of belonging to the community of faith. Ultimately, convocations on earth find their ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly convocation, where believers from every nation will come together to worship and serve God forever.