“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
These times of social distancing has made me think about this verse.
Most of my family lives many miles away, in other continents. The fact that I cannot reach out to them physically at any time is heavy in my heart. Distancing from my church family has just added extra weight.
Ray Stedman says about this verse, “You and I, as individual Christians, cannot fully reflect Jesus Christ. It is only when two or three, or two or three hundred, or two or three thousand are gathered in his name that in a full and complete sense the power which is committed to Jesus Christ, (…) is fully manifested in this life. This means we can never fully know Jesus Christ unless we know him in relation to someone else.”
Christian gatherings are essential to our faith growth. Due to the limitations of the quarantine, family faith gatherings are the most basic, and fundamental to faith growth. When was the last time we, all ages, discussed a Bible verse in the same class, where we were not separated into adult classes, youth classes, and children’s classes? Set time for your family to discuss a Bible verse together. If you think you may not have faith growth because of the maturity of the other members in your family, you are set for a surprise.
Jesus never said his presence will be only when a big number of people gather. He never said he will be present only when there are people in positions of authority or leadership.
Jesus just said “gather in my name”.
Jesus has given us this special time to discover his reflection in our spouses and children. Let’s make it memorable for all of us.
Father, thank you for this extraordinary time of simplicity and connection to our closest relationships. May we use it to connect especially with you, our mighty, victorious Lord.
May your church grow in faith. All for your glory. Amen.
Liliana Mariano
