And Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
The joy of being with other people is a fundamental aspect of humanity. Humans crave connections. Being with others, even strangers, brings happiness and fulfillment that we can’t get alone..
As Christians, we cherish the significance of community and understand the power of gathering in the name of our Lord. Even though our congregation wears the name of Luther, we are all about Jesus Christ. It is in his name we gather. Jesus reminds us that when we come together as believers, even in small numbers, He is present among us. This promise fills our hearts with hope, assurance, and the joy of fellowship.
Jesus did not restrict his words to the formal gathering of the church between the hours of 10:30AM and 11:45AM on Sunday morning. When we gather with other Christians, as Christians, there is a unique spiritual presence of Jesus among them. This presence can manifest in various ways, such as through the working of the Holy Spirit, the guidance of God’s Word, the sharing of love and compassion, or the demonstration of Christ-like attitudes and actions. We are to value and prioritize gatherings in Jesus’ name. The promise of Jesus’ presence is a source of assurance, comfort, and strength for us as we journey together in faith.
But, of course, Jesus’ words apply to our gatherings as Peace Lutheran Church. He encourages us to gather together regularly, for it is in unity that we find strength and support. In a world often marked by division, the body of Christ stands as a testimony to love, reconciliation, and harmony. As we assemble in His name, we become a living representation of His teachings, exemplifying forgiveness, compassion, and humility.
Meeting together allows us to edify one another, offering encouragement, support, and comfort in times of need. This can happen in our homes and places in town. We can share our joys and sorrows, strengthening the bonds of love that bind us as a family in Christ. When we come together, we find that we are not alone in our journey of faith, but we walk hand in hand with fellow believers who share the same hope and purpose.
May the promise of Matthew 18:20 ignite a fervent desire in our hearts to seek God’s presence together continually. May we be steadfast in our commitment to fellowship, knowing that Christ is in our midst, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to be His light in this world.
This passage is the basis for a prayer written by Saint Chrysostom. John Chrysostom was an influential Christian theologian, preacher, and archbishop of Constantinople in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He was born around AD 349 in Antioch, which the Apostle Paul visited in Acts 15:35-40. The name “Chrysostom” means “golden-mouthed” in Greek, and he earned this title due to his exceptional eloquence and powerful preaching skills.
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
May God’s blessings be upon you and your families.
Pastor Patrick