Why do we go?

Why do we go to church? That was a fair question asked by my son who at the time had just achieved his sixth birthday. I rambled through the usual answers such as not forsaking the gathering of the brethren, to honor God, etc etc. None of these seemed to make sense to his understanding. We go to the restuarant to eat, we go to the clothing stores to buy pants, we go to the movies to watch movies, we go to the bank to get money. He was looking for something tangible in going to church. I explained to him how we get to know God, how we draw close to Him, how He gives us life abundantly. He looked at me with a curious look and replied How do you get to know God if He isnt there? Why cant we see Him? I did my best to appease his curious mind but I must confess, quoting scripture did not work, and in the end he was left somewhat frustrated...as was I.

So why do we go? Is it moral obligation? Does God feel better when He knows we are sitting in the pews being good little boys and girls at least one day out of the week. Does it make Him feel honored by us being there. Maybe so...I am not sure. I dont know how honored He can be watching someone show up out of due diligence. Nor how honoring it is to go so that your "fire insurance premiums" are paid up.

Do we go to see the mighty hand of God move upon his people? What does that look like? I have heard it expained as comfort, and peace. Dont get me wrong these are wonderful and necessary blessings, but does it seem that all God's blessings lately are internal and unseen? Not like watching one climb out of a wheel chair, or sight being restored to blind eyes after 20 years. A person with a swollen broken arm suddenly watch as the pain and the swelling go away. When I think of how many people are suffering physically with one ailment or another, and how much God loves His children, And the stripes Jesus took upon His back. When I think about the promises (And there are so many if we look) that God makes to us about His external manifestations and blessings.

When I look at the early church, I know why they went. Because God was there and it was obvious. To watch their friends who had been maimed all their lives suddenly jump and leap and shout the victory, no wonder they praised God with fervor. And then Jesus told us that "these things and greater things than these will you do. And Jesus put a big time qualifier on it all. If we "believe and do not doubt". Jesus also said "When I return, will I find faith anywhere on the earth?" The implication being true faith is going to be extremely rare.
Im not saying this is the core reason why we should go to church.... Im just wondering why this facet of the fruit seems to be missing from the tree. And what else might be missing along with it.