Where Two or Three Are Gathered

 

 

Scripture

 Matthew 18: 19-20

¹⁹ Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”  (NRSVUE)

 

Devotion

 Sometimes, all you really need is a friendly voice and a sympathetic ear to begin turning things around.  That's been on my mind a lot recently as I've been both the person turning to a trusted friend in times of need AND the person being called upon for support by others.  For whether or not my friends and colleagues have known the right words to say to each other--even when we couldn't offer a single bit of practical advice and had to rely solely upon just being a loving and supportive presence--Christ was there to work wonders.

When we read about Christ being wherever two or three are gathered in his name, many of us picture a physical gathering of people in places like homes, churches, coffee shops, and hospital rooms.  And yes, there is nothing quite like meeting somewhere to talk, pray, or simply sit in silence together.  Sometimes, it feels like we can almost see Jesus sitting (or standing) there with us.  Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, we now have other ways of being together as well...and you better believe that Jesus is willing to use all of them. 

Christ was on the phone line when a dear friend shared his deep grief and sense of desolation that came upon him while spending all day helping with flood relief efforts in an area he knew very well.  Christ showed up Google and via text message as I sought out crisis hotline numbers for some folks who contacted me with needs that exceeded my abilities.  Christ was on Instant Messenger as I shared my own joys and anxieties with a small group of friends. And while I've never seen his official user name or image pop up, I know that Jesus must have a Zoom account.  How else could his presence be so regularly felt in the church and presbytery-sponsored gatherings I regularly sign into?

Wherever and however we choose to gather in Christ's name, Jesus is there.  He is ready to not only offer a listen ear and a sympathetic voice but also to lend a hand.  He empowers us to support one another.  When the support someone needs is more than we can handle on our own, Jesus can use our relationships to help us connect with people who have the right expertise.  All we need to do in order to get that kind of Spirit-inspired help is to get together with someone and ask for it. Christ's help might not be exactly what we envisioned it will be, but it will arrive.

Whether the obstacles we face are physical, mental, financial, social, emotional, or spiritual,  all need help from time to time.  The next time you feel in overwhelmed or aren't sure what to do about something, why not get together with someone you trust and ask Jesus help?  And if you know someone who seems to be struggling, why not take the initiative and let them know that you are there for them if/when they need you?  It just may be that when you gather in whatever forum works best for you, Jesus will empower you to be all the help and support each other needs.  It may also turn out that Christ will make your get together a small (yet vital) piece of the help someone needs.  Either way, you can trust that Jesus is listening and will respond; for wherever two or three are gathered in his name, Christ is there among them.

 

 

Prayer

 Jesus, help me to reach out and gather with others as we seek your help.  I trust that you are always with us.  Amen.