“In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:20, ESV)
Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is present with them (see Matthew 18:20). God dwells in community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Created in his image, he designed us to dwell in community with others. We are at our best when we share a common unity (community) with others.
It is amazing when people come together. There is so much we can accomplish, especially when we are empowered by God. Jesus did not set out to create an institution, but a movement. It is a movement of grace, of mercy, of healing, of joy, and peace. The movement is called the kingdom of God. I can only do so much alone, but through community, the effort is multiplied.
The Kingdom movement of Jesus does not happen in isolation of others. It is movement that takes place when people unite and rally together for God’s purposes.
We sometimes hear people talk about a personal relationship with God. God does not want our relationship with him to be personal, but to be lived out in with others. Maybe the reason you do not experience greater abundance in your life is because your walk with the Lord is isolated. You don’t have the benefit of the community and miss out on the full presence of God in your life.
In the end, Nehemiah declared God would fight for them. He knew it was true because God had called his people together for this purpose. And when we are living out God’s purpose with others, we can know that God will not fail.
Reflection
- How does our relationship with others affect our relationship with God?
- How does a godly community build us in faith?
Prayer
Lord, I know that you have called me to live in community with other believers. But too often I try to isolate myself from others. I also know that if I isolate myself from others, I will fail to accomplish your purposes. Help me to commit myself to a common unity with others so that your kingdom would come among us. Amen.
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