How Important Are Numbers To God?

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

How many times have we referred to our local congregation as “a little group”? Or perhaps in the opening prayer, a comment that there are “not many here today”? Do numbers really matter to God when we meet together to worship Him?

In Zechariah 4:10 we are told not to despise the day of “small things. ” These two examples indicate that perhaps God is not as concerned about numbers as we can be. Packed churches may be desirable to us, but they are not essential in God’s eyes.

I am reminded of the illustration of colours of paint on the artist’s palette. By using just a few primary colours, he can mix them together to produce many more secondary colours. Red, Blue, and Yellow can produce purple (R + B), orange (R + Y), and green (Y + B). How many masterpieces have been produced by the artists using only a few primary colours?

In the same way God can use a small number of true believers to produce a veritable kaleidoscope of spiritual growth. Our interaction and Christian fellowship, led by the Holy Spirit, can take us into all kinds of areas and works which will be to God’s glory.  The sincerity and commitment of our small congregations, in the hands of the “Master Artist,” can be just as effective as the vast numbers attending mega-churches.

In conclusion, when God observes us collectively in our modest congregations, what does He see? A few primary colours or a beautiful, vibrant painting comprised of all the primary and secondary colours available to the artist? Does He carry out a head count, or perhaps He is more concerned with the sincerity and zeal of His children who are loving and serving Him willingly.

Prayer
Thank you, Father, for the opportunity of serving you through Jesus Christ in our various churches, whether they  are small or large in number. May everything we do be to your glory, for truly all is gift and all is grace.
Amen

Study by Bob Beggs

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About the Author:
Bob Beggs is an Elder and member of the Pastoral Council at Grace Communion Lisburn, in Northern Ireland.

Local Congregation:
Grace Communion Lisburn
Ballymacbrennan School House
129A Saintfield Road
LISBURN
BT27 5PG

Meeting time:
Sunday 11am

Local Congregational Contact:
Stuart Foster
Phone:  02892-612221
Phone: Mobile 07764336760
Email: stuart.foster@top-survey.com