Context~

March 23, 2020

During this time of crisis in our world I hear many people saying, while joined on the internet or social media, “wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).  As all scripture, we must look at context.  This scripture is preceded by going to your brother when he sins against you. I see verse 20 as a result of following what is instructed in going to your brother for reconciliation.  While I don’t disagree that God is in the midst of two or three, the idea that He is only there when there are two or three is not sound.  The Bible tells us “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).  Go into your closet… alone.  God is with us, and God hears us if we are alone talking to Him, and when we are gathered talking to Him.  Jesus Himself went off by Himself to pray (Matthew 14:23). 

Hebrews 13: 5 says God will never leave you nor forsake you.  I think it is important for everyone to know during this time that what Jesus did on the cross gives us access to the Father, and that He wants to hear from us whether we are alone or gathered in a group.  Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)!  Let us cling to the hope we have in Him during this time and share with others so that they can be freed and have access to the Father!  

Our daily time with the Lord is just for Him and us.  Let us share the hope we have and the encouragement that it is found in the awesome privilege it is to be able to go to our Lord in prayer.  Always… but especially in the days like we are currently experiencing.  

Father God, I ask You to continue to reveal Yourself to each of us, and to fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may know you more.  Teach us to pray, and to share our hope with those around us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.