“Again I say to
you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it
will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are
gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew
18:19-20 NKJ)
you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it
will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are
gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew
18:19-20 NKJ)
There’s something
about getting together with God’s people that can not be found anywhere else
but in the congregation of God’s people. Is it getting together? Is it God’s
people? Is it fellowship? Well, yes, but all of these elements combined still
don’t give us that “something special.” So, what is it that is so
important about agreeing and getting together?
about getting together with God’s people that can not be found anywhere else
but in the congregation of God’s people. Is it getting together? Is it God’s
people? Is it fellowship? Well, yes, but all of these elements combined still
don’t give us that “something special.” So, what is it that is so
important about agreeing and getting together?
I believe the
something special is God’s presence. I find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t
promise to be with me on a walk through the forest or while I sit surveying a
scenic vista. He doesn’t promise to be with me in my singular spiritual
exploits. Though he walks with me and talks with me, he doesn’t tell me a
personal walk with him is all I need. He tells me that I am his and invites me
to personally, privately commune with him, yet he instructs me to gather
regularly with others of his children.
something special is God’s presence. I find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t
promise to be with me on a walk through the forest or while I sit surveying a
scenic vista. He doesn’t promise to be with me in my singular spiritual
exploits. Though he walks with me and talks with me, he doesn’t tell me a
personal walk with him is all I need. He tells me that I am his and invites me
to personally, privately commune with him, yet he instructs me to gather
regularly with others of his children.
Then I notice the
contrast. Jesus promises that when I gather with other believers, if only two
or three, he will join us. There is a power — the power of agreement — that
cannot be received or exercised anywhere else but in the company of likeminded
believers. Faith is multiplied. The Lord gets excited and joins the group. The
Heavenly Father acts favorably toward the mutual requests.
contrast. Jesus promises that when I gather with other believers, if only two
or three, he will join us. There is a power — the power of agreement — that
cannot be received or exercised anywhere else but in the company of likeminded
believers. Faith is multiplied. The Lord gets excited and joins the group. The
Heavenly Father acts favorably toward the mutual requests.
And I notice that
the Lord’s promise has several interconnected elements. I wonder whether one is
more important than the others. Here are the elements: the gathering in
Christ’s name; the agreement together; the requests; the action of the Heavenly
Father; and Christ’s presence.
the Lord’s promise has several interconnected elements. I wonder whether one is
more important than the others. Here are the elements: the gathering in
Christ’s name; the agreement together; the requests; the action of the Heavenly
Father; and Christ’s presence.
I conclude that
success depends on all these elements being present. Assemble for the right
reason. Believe, agree and ask the Heavenly Father for the right thing. Christ
will join us and we will receive our requested blessings.
success depends on all these elements being present. Assemble for the right
reason. Believe, agree and ask the Heavenly Father for the right thing. Christ
will join us and we will receive our requested blessings.
My musings bring me
to this question: Are there divine blessings I’ll never receive except in the
assembly of the saints? I certainly want every single and collective blessing
the Lord has for me.
to this question: Are there divine blessings I’ll never receive except in the
assembly of the saints? I certainly want every single and collective blessing
the Lord has for me.
Dear Father, thank
you for your people everywhere. Grant that I may always be faithful in
gathering to worship with the saints of God. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
you for your people everywhere. Grant that I may always be faithful in
gathering to worship with the saints of God. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
Assemble faithfully
in Christian worship. Agree together. Receive God’s blessings.
in Christian worship. Agree together. Receive God’s blessings.