Two or Three and Jesus                                          Jan. 16, 2005

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Most of my forty-seven years as a preacher has been spent ministering to small churches and groups. In fact, Jesus Himself shepherded a "little flock." The important thing is not how many people are present, but that He is present. I'd rather be where two or three are, with Him, than be among two or three thousand, where He is absent.

His presence is promised to the smallest number if they be gathered in His name. Was He not in the midst of the three Hebrew children who suffered for that name? And what about the small band of disciples hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Lord's enemy? Twice in John, we are told that He stood in the midst of them. Shut doors can't keep Him away from His own. Also, let us not forget Peter, James, and John— He was always with them. And I am sure, the widow, her son, and Elijah would testify to the fact that He was among them to sustain them.

Oh, child of God, realize today, when you and your friend are gathered in His name, He is there. It may be that you are an elderly husband with his wife, or a little family assembled together on your knees. Maybe it's two or three teenagers meeting in His name. Of this you can be assured; the great I Am's presence will be in your midst.