Daily Devotion
A Group of Two - Brad Bagans
In the sports world, nearly all successes are measured by large numbers. Countless examples include how many in attendance; how many tickets sold; how many goals: touchdowns, points, or runs accumulated; how much the athletes earn; how high the TV ratings are and so on. Successful businesses, restaurants and entertainment venues are valued on how much is sold, watched, or eaten. Much of the world looks at churches the same way. One of the most prevalent misconceptions the world has of the church is its success is measured merely by how many people are in attendance Sunday mornings. In recent times, the government mandated we cannot gather in crowds of over 100…. then 5... then 10 and now only in our homes.
Matthew 18 begins with the disciples asking Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was swift to remind them of the unfinished work we still have here on earth. In this chapter, Jesus teaches us to seek the one that left the “group” of 100. He also reminds the disciples to forgive those who wronged you and spends most of the chapter talking about forgiveness. However, in the middle of the chapter, one of the most recognized verses when it comes to the size of a church can be found. Jesus states, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Friends, we must take this current season we are in and “do church” in ways we may have not done before. Let us be the church by praying with each other, helping each other, reading, calling/texting, posting, or any type of interaction with others. Anything that gets you to talk with your friends, co-workers, neighbors, spouses, siblings, parents, children, in-laws, friends or even strangers qualifies. Any of these ideas can and will eventually lead you to talking about God and be the church with that person. We need to encourage all those around us and voice the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Church is certainly not four walls at a specific destination, but rather, it could very well be two people at any place or setting.
Prayer: Pray for someone you will reach out to. Ask God to help you care for them in a tangible way.
Action: Reach out to someone today. Have a conversation letting them know you care. Comment on this devotion.