This past summer we have come together with different purposes with different people. We have come together for family reunions, for fireworks, for picnics, for sporting events and concerts. Generally speaking, that’s what we do as humans, we come together.

That is also what we do as Christians. Jesus reminds us of a special blessing as we gather together to do the work of the Lord. “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Just prior to these sentences, Jesus had been instructing the disciples on how his church, the body of believers, would work to call people to repentance. Jesus gives specific steps that should be taken to address the sin of our brothers and sisters. He then speaks of the authority that he, the head of the church, gives to believers to forgive and not forgive. And then broadens the scope to talk about Christians in general coming together for any purpose.

Jesus talks about the blessing of two people coming together. He uses the least number it would take to unite. He then says that these two agreeing, more literally, to agree by talking it over, can ask or pray for anything.

Look at all the opportunities the Lord provides for his Gospel ministry amongst us. Look at all the potential we have to reach and encourage so many more souls. And he reminds us that as his body of believers, that as we discuss the ministry amongst us, and agree on the direction it will take, and come to the Lord in prayer with our petitions, it will be done by the Heavenly Father.

Jesus doesn’t flippantly suggest that the Heavenly Father is like a genie in a bottle, that if we rub him right with our requests they will all come true. No, Jesus instructs his people already considering that when we pray, we pray trusting that the Lord’s will be done.

Jesus also reminds us that as Christians gather and agree upon their requests, that they come together in the name of the Lord. What a great reminder for us as we look to the future and the vision for the next five years. Our vision, our plan, our prayers, must be centered on the name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is everything that God has revealed, commanded, or promised about himself. The name of Lord is simply every revelation God has given us in his Word.

Thus as we come together as a congregation, the Word of the Lord is our ministry. It is how we share his name with others. It is how we comfort our own souls. It is how we strengthen the faith of all who hear.

We thank the Lord for the gatherings we have come together for this past summer. But we also ask that as the new school begins, the members of First Lutheran see the great importance of coming together. Let’s come together to receive relief from our sin. Let’s come together to rejoice in life eternal. Let’s come together and talk about, discuss all the opportunities and blessings we have to share the Gospel. Come together in the name of the Lord and see what God has planned for you. Keep Christ First!

Pastor Chris Christenson