The
last recorded words of Jesus on earth are: “And surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age.”(Matthew 28: 20) With that promise, he didn’t include
provisions that two or three had to meet together before he would join them. In
encouraging us to gather in groups of two or three, Jesus was not implying that
he wouldn’t be with us when we are alone – or that a group of four or more was
too large to draw him near. He wanted his followers to be together and to be
united in purpose.
My
church provides many opportunities for its members and attendees to come
together in the name of Jesus. There is a “life group” meeting somewhere every
night of the week. We have classes for adults and children every Sunday
morning; and our Wednesday night program is where the church family really
comes together, with a dynamic
children’s program, youth ministry activities, and elective classes for adults.
And we don’t just come together to learn and grow – there are many avenues of
service available to put our knowledge into practice. And Jesus is there with
us.
In
his prayer, recorded in John chapter 17, Jesus explains why it is important for
believers to be together in his name. In verse 23, we read his words: “May they
be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have
loved them even as you have loved me.” Our unity and fellowship testify to the
world. When we love each other, we demonstrate the love the Father has for the
Son and for each of us. Our community - our unity - invites the lost to become a part of the
family of God.
Stay
united, brothers and sisters. Jesus prayed for it and the world is lost without
it!
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