In our day of glitzy mega-gatherings we need to remember the words of Jesus:
"Where two or three come together in my name,
there I am with them." Matthew. 18:20
Some of the most cherished opportunities for fellowship develops in the smallest unit - two or three connecting together. In this tiny gathering, relationship can be nurtured, trust and confidentiality can grow. It is where one realizes that they count because someone has said to them, "I care enough about you to focus my undivided attention on you. I want to listen to you."
In this small unit, the participants can dialogue back and forth, unhindered by interruptions or planned programs, having no fear of embarrassment or shame. Here is where one can receive a cup of water in Christ's name. One can be spurred on towards maturity. Two or three can wrestle together with the issues of life and the truths of God.
We must never underestimate the value of the smallest units of fellowship - in the family, in the neighborhood, at the kitchen sink, on the phone, or any other venue of one-on-one connection.
The bigger Body is built on the strength of its smallest units. This brings strength and unity ultimately to the world-wide universal Church of Christ.
Jesus didn't give any formulas for fellowship. He didn't specify days, times, locations, buildings, or programs. However, he did tell us to be "shrewd as serpents" Matthew. 10:16, He told us to use whatever is available to build fellowship in order to build his kingdom ("in my name"). We must make the best of any God-given opportunity - whether that be in a religious setting or a secular setting, in homes or in workplaces, or somewhere else - being "shrewd" with our "worldly wealth" Luke 16:8 - including modern-day highspeed travel, telephones, the Internet, e-mail, or snail mail, or whatever. Regardless of the place or means, our mission remains the same as it was for the first Christians:
In Jesus day, most people could not read. Women were never taught to read. Books were not readily available. Today we have so much more that can enhance our fellowship with other believers, and also facilitate the spread of the gospel. It is our responsibility to be wise and "shrewd, and always "on our guard." Matthew. 10:17 because evil forces are trying to draw us away from Christ.
In our modern-day world of mobility and globalization, our connections are constantly shifting. We may relate with people for only for a season - and then they are gone. We may maintain a friendship and connect periodically over the years. Or we may only have a one-time fellowship with someone, yet important things happen in Jesus' name.
Amazing things can happen when we allow the Spirit to bring us into connection with others - like when Philip, the evangelist was supernaturally taken to the Ethiopian eunuch. We too can trust God' Spirit to arrange connections that serve his purposes. Here is a unique example:
One day I felt burdened to pray for someone named Christine. I had no idea who this was. I knew no Christine’s. But I found myself suddenly crying out to God to rescue her from the clutches of the enemy. Several weeks later I found out who she was, though I never met her in person. I learned that she had been at the brink of making a disastrous decision and then changed her mind - no doubt through Spirit-led prayer.
The brand new church at Pentecost was birthed by the Spirit, and its fellowship was strengthened by Spirit. The believers cherished each other. They shared their possessions so that no one lacked anything. They became loyal to each other. They connected wherever and whenever they could - like the temple court, or in their homes where they met daily:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2: 40-42
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