ICS Daily Devotions
For Where Two or Three Gather in My Name
Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV) “Again, truly I tell you that if TWO of you on earth AGREE about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (emphasis added)
Many relationships among church members are kept at superficial levels for various reasons. Some are uncomfortable to share with others regarding their struggles and pain because they haven’t come to a stage of being vulnerable while others would like to mind their own business. Unfortunately, challenges can become quite a burden on us and be unbearable at times. It is therefore wise to have people journeying with us besides casting our cares to the Lord.
We must not isolate ourselves when we are faced with a tribulation in life. We must share it with our spouse so that we can join our faith together to battle the situation. We must also be part of the Christian family so that we can be stronger in the eyes of the “perfect storm” in our lives. The process needed in the lifestyle of faith can be very challenging when we are walking alone. Therefore, it is critical that we have a group of people to journey with us to spur us on when we are weak in faith.
Luke 5:19 (NKJV)And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.
In the above verse, the paralyzed man would have shared with his four friends regarding his wish to be healed by Jesus. The paralytic might have had this conversation with his friends, “Guys, I heard about this Jesus who is coming to town and He has done a lot of miraculous works in other cities and town. Do you think he will be able to heal me?” Well, there were four friends and were most likely having different opinions! Just look at Job’s friends in the Old Testament! They were more of a torment to Job than a blessing! However, the four friends mentioned in Luke 5 must have had a very good theological discussion with their paralyzed friend, and came to a conclusion and believed that Jesus is able to heal. They must have agreed that Jesus is the son of God and has the power to heal in order for them to make the journey. They must have also agreed that they will not leave the premises without Jesus ministering to their friend who was paralyzed. This showed forth in their determination to climb onto the roof when there was no other way of getting into the house. They were in absolute agreement in their faith and the course of action required.
We can be confident that God is in our midst whenever we are gathered in two or three. It is important to take time to share about our prayer requests including what we are believing God for. God is the silent listener of our conversations, but He will also prompt us to probe each other regarding what is the word of God we are standing on.
Sermon Series – Friends to Look for in a Crisis
