Assemble -- Believe -- Receive . . . Repeat Faithfully

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:19-20 NKJ)

There's something about getting together with God's people that can not be found anywhere else but in the congregation of God's people. Is it getting together? Is it God's people? Is it fellowship? Well, yes, but all of these elements combined still don't give us that "something special." So, what is it that is so important about agreeing and getting together?

I believe the something special is God's presence. I find it interesting that Jesus doesn't promise to be with me on a walk through the forest or while I sit surveying a scenic vista. He doesn't promise to be with me in my singular spiritual exploits. Though he walks with me and talks with me, he doesn't tell me a personal walk with him is all I need. He tells me that I am his and invites me to personally, privately commune with him, yet he instructs me to gather regularly with others of his children.

Then I notice the contrast. Jesus promises that when I gather with other believers, if only two or three, he will join us. There is a power -- the power of agreement -- that cannot be received or exercised anywhere else but in the company of likeminded believers. Faith is multiplied. The Lord gets excited and joins the group. The Heavenly Father acts favorably toward the mutual requests.

And I notice that the Lord's promise has several interconnected elements. I wonder whether one is more important than the others. Here are the elements: the gathering in Christ's name; the agreement together; the requests; the action of the Heavenly Father; and Christ's presence.

I conclude that success depends on all these elements being present. Assemble for the right reason. Believe, agree and ask the Heavenly Father for the right thing. Christ will join us and we will receive our requested blessings.

My musings bring me to this question: Are there divine blessings I'll never receive except in the assembly of the saints? I certainly want every single and collective blessing the Lord has for me.

Dear Father, thank you for your people everywhere. Grant that I may always be faithful in gathering to worship with the saints of God. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Assemble faithfully in Christian worship. Agree together. Receive God's blessings.