Fourth Discourse in Matthew: Relationship & Community

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. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. ~ Matthew 18:19-20
No man* is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind. ~ John Donne *(human!)

Jesus didn't travel alone. His very first act in his ministry (after he'd come out of the wilderness), was to get a group together.

 And he spent the rest of his life building relationship after relationship.

 There are some subtle ways we can forget this sometimes in the church. We say things like: "I've accepted Jesus as my personal savior," and "God has a plan for me."

 And while those might be fine ideas, they aren't at the end of the day what it's all about.

 Jesus as a personal savior doesn't amount to much if that idea doesn't drive you into personal relationship with others.

 God's individual plan for you isn't for you alone. You - with the gifts God has given you - are meant to be part of God's overarching plan, using your gifts for the group, the community, humankind, and all of creation.

 God's plan is what its all about. Not ours.

 We aren't islands of private faith.

 We are meant to be together, because when we are, that's where relationship happens.

 That's when relationship becomes salvation.

 Time alone - like the time Jesus spent in the wilderness - is meant to strengthen us and then drive us toward the other. Toward relationship. Toward community.
Meditation: Who is God driving you toward in relationship?

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