20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.
Matthew 18:20 (NASB)
You feel a pull, a tug at your heart to something greater. This tug seems to draw you continually on seeking something, something you haven’t yet identified; or maybe you have but resist the idea that it is what you are supposed to have found. In either case you have a feeling of something missing, something off that needs adjusting somehow.
If your walk currently has you in a place of solitude that’s fine. Jesus sought times of solitude for personal reflection, recharging, and evaluation too. There is nothing wrong with being off on your own for a time for the purpose of regrouping before returning to the fray, in fact it is something that should be done. However, sometimes this ‘alone time’ can turn into something different, and it should be avoided.
Christ did seek solitude, that’s true, but he always came back to continue his work with those who needed him, and so should we. The human being is not meant to live alone, to work alone, or to seek alone. If you’ve been in a time of personal reflection for a long while perhaps it is time to reevaluate that position.
The original followers of Jesus and his Apostles started ou in small groups in their homes. Organized, large-scale churches came later. In the late 18th century John Wesley began what he called classes of no more than 12 or 15 people, gathering in one home one week and another home the next. Wesley’s classes evolved into the modern day United Methodist Church, but they were modeled after the original small group idea from the early days of the faith.
I suggest that perhaps the time of wandering in the wilderness is over. I suggest you talk with God and ask him for his opinion. I suggest that you find one or two more, like-minded individuals to gather together and discuss the idea. God says that where two or more are gathered together in his name, there he will be also because he thinks You Are Worthy.
Questions for Further Reflection
- How long have you been away from a group of people you could call a church family?
- What fears do you take with you into a group of believers you’ve never met before?
- What fears do you think others might have about you considering they’ve never met you before?
This devotional relates to the scripture used in the book You Are Worthy by Mark Malcolm, coming to Kindle soon. To be kept up to date on the release of this, and other writings from The Cavalier, join us on Facebook HERE or follow us on Twitter @FirstChevalier.
You are not trash. You are not wasted. You are not broken. You are loved. You are pursued. You are wanted. Because God says…
