“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
1+1 = ? Most people can answer this math problem easily. You probably have the answer “two” in your mind at this moment, but I am going to explain how the answer can be “three.”
In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells His followers that whenever there are two believers gathered together, He would be with them. That means that one believer plus one believer equals three individuals… the two believers and Jesus! Therefore, 1+1=3!
Can you see the value in being with others who are in God’s family? Hebrews 10 tells us that it is important that Christians are “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Each time we gather together in church services, Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, there is always one unseen visitor… the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
Think about the awesomeness of that… the Son of God is there with you! It’s not a possibility… it’s a given. Those words in Matthew were spoken by Jesus! Every single time you meet with another believer, Jesus is with you… every single time!!! When you kneel by the bedside of your child to pray with them, He is there. When you work on a devotional with a friend, He is there. When you and your spouse pray over a meal, He is there! Every time you gather together with another Christian, Jesus is there! Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be;
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
(from “We Gather Together” – author unknown)
“That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” – Romans 1:12
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The next time you fill out your Sunday school class’ attendance sheet, you might want to add one more number!