Matthew 18:20 AMPC
[20] For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]
Again, we continue with the theme of the power available when people come together for any purpose. As we saw in the story of the Tower of Babel, even if it is for a wrong reason, there is still power in conspiracy to do wrong. As we will also see in the verse that is before us today, there is also power available when people come together for the right reason. We have seen that God, in His wisdom, has placed us in the midst of other people, whether on the family unit, or in a community or society, and in the nation where we live. Of course, the need for interaction and engagement with other people has led us to the need for fellowship with people, where we gather to praise and worship God, to hear Him speak to us and to then go into the world to impact it with the message of Christ that we have received and responded to the right way. It is therefore very important to consider the reason why we gather together in fellowship. What is the motivation? Why the investment of time, resources and even privacy in this process?
How do we expose ourselves to potential hurt and loss, especially when these are people you cannot control or dictate to, and who have their own views about things? This is the amazing thing about fellowship: all of us come with our baggage, and because of our understanding of who we have come to see, we are able to submit our prejudices and preferences at the altar of the common faith we all share, so that God can be glorified. I also note that the number gathering together in fellowship is fundamental. God is not first looking for numbers; men are the ones who are impressed by size and length, or by the outward display of zeal. God is looking for men and women who understand the reason why fellowship is important, and who will pay the right price to get the right prize. Am I one of such people? God is focused on substance, not fashion. That is why the verse above lays emphasis on 'IN MY NAME'.
The understanding of this requirement will impact the mode, style and substance of worship and service. Could it be that the reason why we do not take fellowship seriously is because we have not known the blessing and value it gives? Could it be that the reason why we treat it with levity is because we have not really experienced God on a personal level? There is no one who meets with God and remains the same. There is no one who truly seeks God who does not find Him. It does not matter what the numbers are; two or three people are enough to meet with God, and then meet the needs of the world around them. The Lord was with Joseph, and we see what impact his life made in Egypt. The three Hebrew boys were in the physical minority, but with God on their side, they became the change that God wanted to make in a foreign land. Revival will change millions, but it is always as a result of God's move in the lives of the two, three or four people who come together IN HIS NAME. How do we gather? Why do we gather? Can we say, of a truth, that Jesus is the focus? Remember, God cannot be deceived. He sees the motives, and will reward accordingly. God's time of favour is here.
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