How often I’ve used this verse to say that getting together with my Christian friends means God is in our midst! And it’s true, simply because — follow me here: God lives in the believer as (Holy Spirit), thus even when we’re alone, He is with us. So, when two or more are gathered, He is obviously with us.
Looking at the Orthodox Jewish Bible version of Matthew 18:20, though, I see there seem to be conditions here.
Looking at the Hebrew, we see that this gathering is as a “Chavurah,” which is a small group of Jews gathered for the purposes of holding a sabbath or prayer service, sharing lifecycle events, or learning from the Torah.
We also see, “and are a Kehillah in my name (Moshiach).” That is a group/community organized for doing communal or charity work in the name of Jesus the Messiah.
So, this isn’t just getting together for coffee and expecting Jesus to be a part of it, the third party so to speak – no, this is much more!
This is the coming together in small groups to worship, pray, and do good works in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Even the celebration of life cycles – birthdays, births, deaths, marriages, retirement, and so forth – all in the name of Jesus the Messiah. All pointing to Him.
If we want Jesus to be a part of our gatherings, we have to meet these conditions. Are we celebrating our child’s 16th birthday? Gather those friends and family around who joy with us and use the time intentionally to praise Jesus for all He has done for us and for this precious child. By doing so, we are inviting Him to come and visit with us – and what power and grace will sweep in!
In the presence of Jesus, things change.
Chains are broken, hearts are mended, lives are healed, and peace is restored. THIS is what we experience when two or three are gathered for His purposes in His name.
How amazing would that be – whenever we gather, lives are changed and Jesus is lifted up and glorified?!?
Does this mean to stop the visits with the friend over coffee, expecting Jesus to be there, too? Nope. It’s an added dimension. Choose to make that time together His and thus invite Him in and see what He does in that time.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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