"Where Two or Three Are Gathered" — Jesus Defined Church Better Than We Did

There's a verse that gets quoted at the start of almost every small church gathering, Bible study, and home fellowship. It's warm, it's familiar, and it's often misunderstood:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

Most Christians hear this as a cozy promise: "Jesus shows up when we pray together." And that's true as far as it goes. But if you read it in context, this verse is something far more radical. It's actually Jesus giving us His definition of church — and it's nothing like what we've built.

The Context Changes Everything

Matthew 18 is a chapter about church discipline, reconciliation, and authority. In verse 15, Jesus talks about confronting a brother who sins against you. In verse 16, He says bring one or two witnesses. In verse 17, He says tell it to the church.

Then verse 18 gives the disciples authority to bind and loose. Verse 19 talks about agreeing together in prayer. And then verse 20:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Here's what Jesus is saying: You don't need a building. You don't need a pastor with a license. You don't need a worship band or a sound system or a denomination's approval. When two or three of My people gather in My name, with My authority, operating as My body — I'm there. That's church.

He was dismantling the entire Old Covenant temple system with one sentence. The presence of God was no longer confined to the Holy of Holies, accessible only by a High Priest once a year. Now, the presence of God dwells in the midst of His people — even if there are only two or three of them.

What This Means for the Corporate Church

Think about what this implies about the modern model.

If Jesus said His presence is in the midst of two or three gathered in His name, then what exactly is the "pastor-led, building-based, program-driven" Sunday service adding?

Not His presence — He already promised that to the two or three.

Not His authority — He already gave that to the believers gathered.

Not His approval — He already said "there am I in the midst."

The corporate church system has taken this beautiful, simple promise and built a hierarchy around it. They've told you that you need a licensed minister, a designated building, a worship team, a children's program, a denominational covering. But Jesus said you need two or three people gathered in His name. That's it.

This doesn't mean larger gatherings are wrong. The early church had thousands added at once (Acts 2:41). But the default was house to house, daily, relational. The "big meeting" at the temple was the exception, not the rule. And even that big meeting wasn't a monologue — it was teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread.

The issue is that the corporate church has made the big meeting the center, and anything smaller is considered "extra" at best or "rebellious" at worst. That's backwards. The small, simple gathering of believers is the biblical baseline.

The "Be the Few" Challenge

So here's the question that Matthew 18:20 forces you to answer:

Do you believe Jesus meant what He said?

If you do, then you already have everything you need to be the church. You don't need permission. You don't need a building. You don't need a paid professional. You need two or three people who love Jesus and want to gather in His name.

Start there.

Meet in a living room. Read Scripture together. Let everyone share what the Lord is showing them. Pray for one another. Break bread. That's church. That's what the early church did. That's what Jesus blessed when He said "there am I in the midst of them."

You don't have to leave the corporate system if that's where God has you. But you don't have to depend on it either. The church is not an organization you attend. It's a body you belong to. And that body functions best when it's gathered around Jesus — not around a schedule, a building, or a budget.

"Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." — Matthew 7:14 (KJV)

#BeTheFew

"Forsake Not the Assembly" — Paul Wasn't Talking About Sunday Morning

If you've been in church long enough, you've heard it. Someone starts missing services, and the verse comes out like a hammer:

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." — Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)

The implication is clear: you're disobeying God if you're not in a pew on Sunday morning. But here's the problem — that verse has been ripped out of context and used to prop up a system that looks nothing like what the New Testament describes. Let's look at what it actually means, and what it doesn't mean.

What "Forsake Not" Actually Meant

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing intense persecution. They were being threatened, ostracized, and tempted to abandon Christianity altogether and slip back into Judaism. When the author says "forsake not the assembling," he's pleading with them:

Don't abandon the faith. Don't isolate yourself. Stay connected to other believers when the heat is on.

He's not talking about punching a clock at a building. He's talking about survival. These people were losing their homes, their jobs, their families — and the temptation was to give up and go it alone. The solution wasn't "show up to a service." The solution was to hold onto one another.

But today, this verse gets twisted into a guilt trip for missing a Sunday morning event. There's a massive difference between "forsaking the assembly" and not participating in a programmed service.

How the Early Church Actually Assembled

If we want to know what biblical "assembling" looked like, we don't have to guess. Acts 2:46 gives us a plain picture:

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart."

Notice three things:

1. They met daily — not once or twice a week
2. House to house — not a dedicated religious building
3. With gladness and singleness of heart — not obligation or guilt

This wasn't a service. This was life. They ate together, prayed together, shared resources, and encouraged one another. The "assembly" was organic, relational, and frequent.

In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul describes what their gatherings actually looked like:

"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

Everyone participated. It was interactive. There were no silent spectators. When you walked into a first-century Christian gathering, you weren't sitting in a row watching a monologue. You were expected to contribute.

Contrast that with the modern model: one person speaks, everyone listens, and the meeting ends by the clock. That's not what they were doing.

Why This Matters — The "Be the Few" Challenge

Here's the uncomfortable truth: the modern corporate church model works great for managing large groups of people efficiently. But it's not the model Jesus founded.

Jesus gathered twelve men and lived life with them. The early church multiplied by planting churches in homes. The focus was on discipleship, not attendance; on relationship, not programs; on every member functioning, not a professional clergy doing all the work.

If you've felt that nagging sense that something is missing, you're not wrong. Your spirit knows there's more. The few who find the narrow way (Matthew 7:14) are those who are willing to ask hard questions and follow the truth wherever it leads.

So here's the question — not "are you going to church?" but "are you being the church?"

Are you connected to other believers in a way that goes deeper than a Sunday handshake? Are you using your gifts? Are you sharpening one another? Are you living out the "one another" commands — love one another, pray for one another, bear one another's burdens, exhort one another daily?

That's what "forsake not the assembly" is really about. Not a building. Not a program. Not a guilt trip. The body of Christ, functioning as a body.

Action Step

If Hebrews 10:25 has been used to keep you in a system that doesn't feed your soul, it's time to separate the verse from the tradition. Don't forsake the assembly — but find the right one. Or start it.

"Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." — Matthew 7:14 (KJV)

#BeTheFew.

Finding Hidden Blessings in Suffering: A Journey of Faith and Growth

Strength Through Life's Trials

Life often presents us with moments of difficulty and pain. Yet, within these experiences lies a profound paradox: suffering can lead to spiritual growth. This paradox challenges us to see beyond the immediate discomfort of our hardships and discover hidden blessings within our trials. As we navigate through tough times, we gain insights that shape our character and enrich our faith journey.

Finding purpose in pain is not easy, but it offers transformative potential. When we view our struggles as stepping stones toward something greater, they shift from burdens to valuable lessons. It's a change in mindset that empowers us to find meaning even when circumstances seem bleak.

In this article, we'll explore how embracing adversity allows for personal and spiritual development. We'll discuss stories of individuals who turned their suffering into opportunities for growth and uncover strategies for reframing hardship as part of a broader journey filled with hope and renewed strength.

The Nature of Suffering

Suffering is a universal human experience that touches every life in profound ways. It serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are united by the commonality of enduring hardships. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or health issues, these challenges test our resilience and character.

The forms of suffering are diverse:

- Personal trials like career disappointments or broken relationships

- Natural disasters that devastate communities

- Internal battles such as mental illness or emotional trauma

- Systemic issues like social injustice and poverty

While each person's burden may differ, everyone carries their own weight on life's journey. Recognizing this shared experience encourages empathy and connection, allowing us to see suffering not merely as an affliction but as a meaningful part of our human experience.

Carrying One's Cross

The metaphor of carrying one's cross, rooted in Christian theology, illustrates accepting and shouldering personal hardships with grace and resilience. In contemporary life, it underscores that every individual bears unique struggles that can feel like unbearable burdens.

This concept invites people to shift focus from "Why me?" towards "What can I learn from this?" It's about finding meaning through perseverance and turning toward growth instead of retreating into despair.

Personal Growth Through Trials

Uncovering Hidden Strengths

Hardships often reveal hidden reservoirs of strength, resilience, and creativity. Consider Thomas Edison, who famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His journey demonstrates how perseverance amidst repeated failures can lead to brilliant success. Edison's relentless pursuit of innovation, despite numerous setbacks and challenges, serves as a testament to the power of maintaining a positive outlook and unwavering determination. Each setback he encountered was not an end but rather a stepping stone towards achieving his goals. His ability to view failures as opportunities for learning and growth allowed him to continuously refine his ideas and push the boundaries of what was possible. This mindset not only fostered his own personal development but also contributed significantly to technological advancements that have shaped modern society. Edison's story inspires us to embrace our own challenges with courage and creativity, recognizing that every obstacle is an invitation to discover new pathways and unleash our true potential.

Transforming Adversity into Inspiration

John Bunyan's story exemplifies how enduring hardship with steadfast faith can spark creative brilliance. While imprisoned for his beliefs, Bunyan wrote "The Pilgrim's Progress," a work that has inspired millions with its profound insight into faith and perseverance. His time in confinement was not just a period of suffering but also one of profound introspection and spiritual growth. Stripped of worldly distractions, Bunyan delved deeply into the human soul's journey towards salvation, crafting an allegory rich in symbolism and wisdom. Despite the grim conditions of his imprisonment, he transformed his cell into a workshop of ideas, where adversity fueled his imagination and conviction. This remarkable resilience highlights how challenges can be turned into opportunities for personal and creative development, leaving a legacy that transcends time and continues to resonate with readers who seek strength in their own trials.

These examples show that while trials are undeniably arduous, they carry intrinsic opportunities for growth if approached with an open heart and mind.

Faith Journey and Blessings

In life's challenges, struggling often plays a critical role in deepening one's faith. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, people may turn inward and upward, seeking solace from a higher power.

A Story of Transformation

Joni Eareckson Tada's journey from a diving accident that left her quadriplegic to founding a global ministry is a remarkable testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. In 1967, at just 17 years old, Joni's life changed dramatically after she misjudged the depth of the water during a dive, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. Despite the initial devastation and overwhelming challenges, Joni found strength through her faith and determination to turn her personal tragedy into a source of hope and empowerment for others. Over time, she became an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, using her experiences to inspire millions around the world. Her organization, Joni and Friends, has grown into an influential ministry that provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. Through her art, books, and public speaking engagements, Joni continues to share her message of hope, emphasizing that profound personal growth can emerge from adversity. Her story serves as a beacon of encouragement not only within the Christian community but also to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life.

Moreover, personal hardships can sharpen one's empathy towards others experiencing similar struggles. Through shared experiences comes mutual understanding—a pillar upon which communities can grow stronger together.

Testimonials: Stories of Triumph

Throughout history, people have risen above their pain to discover a renewed sense of purpose:

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, developed his seminal work, "Man's Search for Meaning," encouraging us all to seek purpose amid adversity. In the harrowing environment of concentration camps, where despair and hopelessness were pervasive, Frankl observed that those who found meaning in their suffering were more resilient and likely to survive. He introduced the concept of logotherapy, which posits that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure or power but the pursuit of meaning. This profound insight invites us to reframe our struggles as opportunities for growth and transformation. By identifying a purpose or cause greater than ourselves, we can endure life's challenges with renewed strength and hope. Frankl's work serves as a timeless reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the capacity to find light by seeking significance in our experiences.

Maryam Rostampour, imprisoned for her Christian beliefs in Iran, became a vocal advocate for religious freedom, inspiring others with her faith and resilience. Her journey began in 2009 when she and her friend Marziyeh Amirizadeh were arrested for practicing Christianity, a faith that they had secretly embraced despite the risks associated with converting from Islam in their homeland. The two women endured harsh conditions in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, where they faced relentless interrogations and the constant threat of execution. However, their unwavering faith provided them with strength and courage to persevere. During their incarceration, Maryam and Marziyeh managed to turn their prison cell into a place of worship and hope, providing comfort not only to each other but also to fellow inmates who were drawn to their message of love and forgiveness. After an international campaign advocating for their release gained momentum, they were finally freed after 259 days. Following her release, Maryam continued her advocacy work by sharing her story globally through speaking engagements and writing, highlighting the importance of religious freedom and human rights. Her dedication has inspired countless individuals around the world to stand up against religious persecution and has shed light on the struggles faced by many who are denied the basic right to practice their faith freely.

These stories remind us that within our hardship lie opportunities for transformation if we choose courage over surrender, purpose over defeat.

Finding Purpose in Pain

Reframing Suffering

Shift your perspective to view challenges as opportunities for transformation. Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, personal growth often requires struggle.

Practicing Gratitude

Identify small victories or moments of grace during testing times. This can shift your focus from what's lost to what remains or grows anew.

Self-Reflection

Take time for introspection. Ask yourself: What have I learned about my own strengths? How have my values been clarified through these experiences?

Embracing Hope and Resilience

Cultivating a resilient mindset is key to persevering through life's trials. This mental fortitude can be nurtured through practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and prayer.

To sustain hope:

- Regularly seek out reminders of progress and past triumphs

- Journal about victories achieved or lessons learned

- Engage with supportive communities who share similar experiences

Biblical Guidance for Overcoming Trials

1. Seek God's presence: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

   - Action: Set aside daily time for prayer and Bible reading.

2. Remember God's faithfulness: "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God goes with you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

   - Action: Keep a journal of God's past faithfulness to remind yourself during difficult times.

3. Focus on eternal perspective: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17)

   - Action: Meditate on scriptures that emphasize God's eternal promises.

4. Practice thanksgiving: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

   - Action: Start each day by listing three things you're grateful for, even in hardship.

5. Seek wise counsel: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)

   - Action: Connect with a mature believer or pastor for spiritual guidance and support.

6. Serve others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

   - Action: Look for opportunities to help others, even while going through your own struggles.

By applying these biblical principles and practical steps, you can navigate trials with faith, hope, and resilience, uncovering hidden blessings along the way.

There is No Fear of the LORD in the Church Today

The Church Doesn't Fear God Today

Recently A friend brought to my attention that there is no fear of the Lord in the church. We have a generation of Christians who have become comfortable and complacent. There is no longer any fear of the Lord in the church today. A general lack of fear is a bad thing. It’s not good to be complacent and comfortable. But I think there is something much more specific that we have lost in the church today: The fear of the Lord is no longer a reality for us. 

Hirelings build their congregations by tickling ears and intentionally avoiding the difficult passages in scripture. This is why it is imperative that we read the bible for ourselves. If we don't do this, we are going to be vulnerable to the hireling's message. Scripture is filled with warnings about false teachers, false prophets and wolves in sheep s clothing. A careful examination of scripture shows that the church is not immune from false teaching. 

 If you don't already know by now, I will NOT knowingly tickle your ears. My desire is to lovingly speak the truth in love and be faithful to the Word of God. 

The Popular doctrine of a Bed of Roses

Currently, the popular doctrine of Christianity is it's all a bed of roses and we're dancing in tulips. But this is not scriptural. All the apostles were martyred except for John. The early disciples were fed to lions, tortured, and crucified. They weren't living their ‘best life now’ but were intimate with Jesus which came at a price. History says that some disciples actually ran towards the Lions hoping that they might obtain a better Resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). 

So? Is Christianity a bed of roses, marshmallows, and tulips? Should we not fear God at all? 

New Testament Examples of why we should Fear God!

Here's a few things we need to consider in the New Testament post cross passages that might cause us to hold the Lord in more reverence than we do currently. 

Paul and Elymas

God allowed Paul to curse Elymas with blindness Acts 13:11

At the heart of the Christian faith is the fear and reverence of God. In Acts 13:11, we see a powerful example of what happens when someone chooses to ignore God's power and authority. The Apostle Paul cursed Elymas with blindness after he attempted to prevent a Roman official from coming to faith in Jesus Christ. This shows how seriously God takes when people disregard His will, even if they are in a place that should be devoted to Him - like the church today. 

I believe  Paul did not take it upon himself to mete out justice; instead, I believe he quietly asked God directly for help in this situation. He was willing to ask for divine intervention as an act of obedience because he understood that God alone has the right to judge us all. 

Ananias and Sapphira

God killed Ananias and Sapphira for lying Acts 5 

Ananias and Sapphira's story in the book of Acts is a powerful reminder of how God deals with those who are unfaithful to Him. In Acts 5, we see that God is not only capable of killing someone for their sins but He will also do it if necessary. Ananias and Sapphira were members of the early Christian church and had agreed to give all the proceeds from selling a piece of property to the Lord. But they lied about their offering - instead, they kept part for themselves - so God killed them both. 

This story should be a reminder for us today that we must serve God faithfully. The church today needs to take this warning seriously; if we don't fear God or take His commands seriously then it will lead to consequences like those faced by Ananias and Sapphira. 

Herod did not give God Glory

Herod was eaten with worms for not giving God glory Acts 12:21-23 

Herod was a ruler who did not give God the glory that He deserved. In Acts 12:21-23, Herod is struck down for his sin and eaten with worms for not giving God the glory. This story serves as an example of what happens when people do not show proper respect to God and His ways of doing things. This can be especially relevant today in how we view the church and its members. 

Many of us have become complacent in our faith and have stopped showing proper reverence to God through our actions. We may be more focused on our own goals rather than honoring Him, but if we fail to fear God then we are no better than Herod was. We must remember that ultimately He is still in control and will judge us accordingly if we fail to recognize this fact by giving Him His due glory. 

Drinking the cup of Christ unworthily

People died because they did not drink the cup of Christ worthily 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 

The church today is in an alarming state of spiritual apathy. This lack of fear of the Lord has led to a broken relationship with God and is exemplified by people's attitudes and behavior. Most tragically, people have died because they did not drink the cup of Christ worthily as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30. 

This means that those who partake of communion without due reverence and respect for the holiness it represents are more likely to succumb to physical afflictions such as sickness or even death. To demonstrate their faith, reverence and obedience to God’s commands must go hand in hand with partaking of communion; rather than just going through the motions, we should be reminded of our unworthiness before a holy God and approach Him with humility. 

A stern rebuke to Thyatira 

Jesus says he will kill children Rev 2:23 

No fear of the Lord in the church today seems to be true when one examines Jesus's Words in Rev 2:23. In this passage, Jesus says he will kill children.  I am still pondering whether He is talking about spiritual or physical children.  The context of this passage talks about the children of Jezebel in the church in Thyatira. Jesus was rebuking them for committing fornication with her. This shocking statement paints a darker picture of God that many Christians are not prepared for or willing to accept. It forces believers to confront the reality that God is capable and willing to punish those who do not heed his commands. Many churches today shy away from teaching these types of passages, preferring instead to focus on joyous stories and themes of love and acceptance without addressing hard truths like this one.

Fear is only the Beginning

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom….. Proverbs 9:10 

Many people today claim to be wise, yet they lack the foundation of true wisdom-- the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 states that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." However, in many churches today it seems as if this foundational principle has been lost and forgotten. Instead of being a church that seeks to honor God through reverential fear, many have chosen to ignore this important aspect of faith. This absence has caused a disconnect between believers and their understanding of what it means to live in healthy faith and spiritual maturity. 

When we fail to remember why we should fear God and instead focus solely on His love, grace and mercy, we miss out on an integral part of our relationship with Him. 

Reverence with Grace and Mercy

In conclusion, it is clear that we should strive to have a healthy fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord brings about humility, reverence and leads us to rely on Him for all things in life. We can trust in His grace and mercy, knowing that when we come to Him He will not turn away. God's grace and mercy are available to everyone who seeks after Him; let us be thankful for this incredible gift of mercy and grace and honor the fear of the Lord at the same time. 

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God Said "Read the Instructions" - Prioritizing the Word

I got off Track

When I encountered God in 1995, He said: "Read the instructions". I immediately started reading the Bible voraciously. I devoured it by reading and listening to the audio bible.

But then I started thinking, why not read from the top theologians and get on the fast track? So I started reading books from PHD.s and top theologians about the Bible rather than the bible directly. I thought I was making some headway. I was reading apologetics books and fell into the eschatology rabbit hole for a while. I read thousands of pages from various authors on eschatology (end times prophecy).


The whole time the spirit of God was highlighting to me obvious errors. My theology felt like a house of cards on sand rather than a solid house upon The Rock! I plowed ahead anyway thinking "They are the experts, what do I know? " I was ignoring the Spirit of Truth for the traditions of men.

As I continued reading the Bible and books about the Bible, I started seeing that people were trying to make scripture fit their theology rather than simply seeking the Truth and being guided by the Spirit of Truth. Eventually, I started to see that God wants me to read the bible more than books about the bible. Anything other than the bible is leaven. Even commentaries can seem like gravel in my mouth at times.

When we read theology books, we start putting on blinders that hinder or even block what the Spirit of Truth is saying. Consider how Jesus was constantly confounding the top theologians on their interpretation of Scripture and their model of what they were expecting the Messiah to be like. They were totally ignoring passages like Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9 saying the Messiah would suffer and be cut off.

We Learn from Great Men of Faith! 

Great men of faith prioritize seeking God's spirit and reading the bible first and foremost. Smith Wigglesworth was known for ONLY reading the bible. He wouldn't even let a newspaper come across the threshold of his front door. He said newspapers were all lies. Now, look at the mighty works Wigglesworth did! He even raised the dead!

George Müller started out a terrible sinner. Toward the end of his life, it is said he read the bible over 200 times, and for every page he read that was not the Bible, he made sure to read 10 pages of the bible He ran orphanages by faith and had all of his needs met by petitioning in his prayer closet.

Seek God and His Word First

If you are excited about reading or listening to sermons or books about the Bible, I would encourage you to prayerfully read the bible and let the Spirit of Truth guide you. Be sure to chew it over with your Inner Circle Godly mentors.

When the spirit of truth illuminates a passage for you, it is an exciting thing. The Spirit quickens the Word and you know in your spirit that you are being taught by God!

There is a point in the little John's that he tells some of his disciples that they no longer need a teacher because they have the unction of the Spirit that guides them into truth (1 John 2:27). He is teaching them that they no longer need a teacher. John was mentored by Jesus directly. Then he mentored his disciples up to the point that they could hear from the Spirit of Truth directly.

I believe our main source of media intake should be the bible while listening for God to guide us. I am not anywhere near perfection on this, but I can see the Way that has been cleared about before us.

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The Irrelevant Jesus - Glenn Roseberry

Here is a post from Missionary Glenn Roseberry  from Kingdom Driven Ministries who is currently evangelizing in Africa.

Is it REALLY Possible to Love God this much?

Exploring loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

The Bible establishes the precept that we should have a better relationship with our heavenly Father than we do with our families.

Here are a few radical "Be The Few" type passages to ponder:

Luke 14:26–27 If any man come to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 10:37–38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

I wrestle with these passages. Do you?

I examine myself often to see if I’m in the faith or where I am in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). I try to use tangible comparisons so I can get some type of a foothold on the spiritual precepts I discover in the bible. If I have a hard time with a concept, I try to distill it down to something small that I can manage. In this case, I was thinking about my relationship with the Lord and comparing that with the relationship with my family.

I know that there are many people today that have lousy relationships with their families. I am grateful to have had a family that was very close. It is rare these days, I know.

Think about when Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). Abraham knew that if he loved God more than Isaac, then both he and Isaac would fare better in the long run. I grapple with the fact that God wanted to prove Abraham in that fashion.  Abraham was definitely being salted with fire.

Abraham’s test of love and faith shows us that our love for our family is to take a back seat to our love for God. This is not easy. Abraham set a model for us of radical obedience.

Jacob, another man of God, grieved so much over Joseph that he was going to go down to the grave heartbroken. He did this in spite of the promises that God gave him. Jacob’s love for his family appeared to be more than his love for God. God turned that around when He reunited Jacob with Joseph and saved his entire family alive. See Genesis 37 through 50 for the story.

Thinking about my dad here…

My dad and I were very close. He would do anything for me. He was a great dad!

It is hard for me to fathom having a better relationship with my heavenly Father than I did with my earthly father. Yet, the bible says this should be the case. I would assume a lot of people struggle with this precept.

Dad has been gone since 1999. Looking back, I can see how much Dad sowed into my life. He spent a lot of time with me. We would watch BlockBuster movies, play tennis, chess, and do the alphabet game for unending hours on our many road trips. Heck, it was fun even to clean the house when Dad was around! That’s nuts, right?

I fell short in my part of our relationship because I was selfish. As Dad got older, he would ask me to play tennis. I started telling him ‘no’. I was exerting my independence, but right now I wish I said ‘yes’ every time he asked me to play tennis. I was sowing selfishness and now I am reaping regret. This weighs heavy on my heart often.

Do I feel this type of regret when I let God down?

With my heavenly Father, I haven’t been able to reach out and hug Him with my physical arms. I haven’t been able to actually see the price that Jesus paid for me on the cross with my physical eyes. The love the bible talks about is something I have to find through spiritual searching.

Sure there are movies and there are the accounts in the Bible that depict what Jesus did for us. But I haven’t been able to hug God like I’ve been able to hug my dad with my physical arms. I can’t really play tennis with Jesus, or chess, although I could probably make a case for watching a movie with Him! LOL! There are points in the Passion of the Christ or some other movies I feel like God was giving me a ‘spiritual’ hug. Or in ‘God’s not Dead’ I feel like giving Jesus a High Five at times!

To put things in perspective. God has come through for me over and over again. Time and time again the Lord has met my needs according to His riches in glory. I’ve encountered God more than once and He has radically changed my life. He has done so many amazing things that I know that He loves me. All of this, however, is a component of faith.

Faith is substance, but it is an unseen substance (Heb 11:1). A substance of hope. Which is intangible.

There is the crux.

Faith makes us look mentally deranged to unbelievers. Let’s just come right out and say it. Having faith in an invisible God looks imbecilic to those that don’t know Him. The more faith we have and exert, the nuttier we look to the world!

With Dad, I didn’t need faith. I could just pick up the phone and call him. With Dad, I could reach out and hug him with my physical body. Dad was tangible. Real like banging on the keys of this computer as I type.

With the Lord, I have to approach my relationship with him spiritually by faith. And somehow that faith is to lead me to where I love an invisible God more than a visible parent. This love means that God is to be at the reins of my heart and not my family.

Revelation 2:23 …. all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: ….

There’s that part of the Bible where it says that the fathers will turn in the children and families will be divided over Jesus so much so that they betray each other even to death! (Matthew 10:20,21). It floors me every time I read those passages. It is hard for me to fathom family members betraying one another over Jesus. But it happens.

Jesus also says that our love for Him has to make our love for our fathers and mothers seem like hate (Luke 14:26 see above) in comparison. This is a hard passage to swallow in light of honoring our parents is part of the ten commandments (Exodus 20:12). But that is how I am dealing with that scripture for now.

In exploring this dilemma, I know that my desire for God has to be stronger than my desire to see my family again. A lot of people say they will be excited to see their family when they get to heaven. I will be too. However, our affections should be set upon God more than our families.

Here is a doozy #BeTheFew type passage for this discourse:

Matthew 8:21–22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Think about that! Jesus wants us to follow Him so much that even burying our parents has to take a back seat to following Jesus.

I guess it boils down to this.  If I had to choose between Jesus or my dad, I would choose Jesus. And you know what? Dad would want me to. Because he knows Jesus is Lord. No matter what. Dad knows that it is best if we ALL put God first!

This may be why we don’t read of Isaac struggling or complaining when Abraham was going to sacrifice him (Gen 22). They both knew to put God first. God was first in Abraham’s family. The FATHER of faith. He is our example.

Where are you in your love for God? Do you struggle with this?