Matthew 18:18-20
”I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
I have read this passage over and over, this morning and many times in my life, and I don’t really understand it. I am lost in the details because they don’t fit for me. Clearly this is not meant to be a literal instruction manual from Jesus. Jesus is with us always- whether we are alone or with others. But one clear message does come through for me today. We are meant to gather together and to pray together. Is it that when we gather our voices have a special sound to the Lord? It is pleasing to God when Christians gather. This is worth thinking more about. When we pray together, God is pleased. When we gather together in His name, He is pleased. Gathering together is a good thing, and something we missed for much of the last 15 months. It is too easy for me to isolate, but I know how much I enjoy it when I spend time with others, especially those who share my faith.
Holy One, I ask you to continue to speak to me about this, so I can more fully understand. In the meantime, I will not choose to be alone when I can choose to be with other believers. I will need reminding. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Matthew 18:18-20 From the Message: take this most seriously: A yes on earth is a yes in heaven; A no on earth is a no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there. I always thought I understood verse 20 to simply remind us that God is always with us whenever we gather in his name. If I read 18 and 19 closely, I realize the passages are about dealing with conflict…
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name there am I with them This is what I often hear said at any church gathering to show that God is present with us because there are two or more gathered. So if there were only one person present God would not be there certainly not, no one believes that (I hope). I have twisted this passage so many times. So what did I learn from this verse. One of the most important things I do when reading the Bible is to read the verses before and after. Jesus is giving instructions about how to handle conflicts with others. When there is a conflict in the church. He giv…
Matthew 18:18-20
Jesus’ own words remind us the Christian life is one of community. A time of gathering with others for prayer, praise, worship and mutual support is essential fuel that keeps the fire of faith alive.
Prayer - God of fellowship, we give thanks for the return of in person worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In gathering together we can more strongly feel Your promised presence, strengthening our faith. Amen
TAA
Matthew 18: 18-20
For where two or three gather in name, there am I with them.
I feel that Jesus Christ lives and moves in our midst. We belong to him and we profess his life through our actions and words. When we gather with others in prayer, this makes the greatest impact. He hears us and through his presence, prayer has more meaning and value. That doesn’t mean I can’t pray alone, but praying with others gives more impact to praying. Jesus is with us no matter how many pray.
Dearest Lord, you sent your Son to us to free us from sin. I thank you for giving Jesus to me as my Savior. I will always try to…