Craig Clouston

 More Than Acquaintances

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18:20

Greg had met Fred on a mission trip to the Gulf Coast. They had become quick friends in the week they had spent together bringing Jesus’ love to a hurting community. Determined to keep the friendship alive, they constantly stayed in touch through e-mails and extended phone calls. Fred and his family were always part of Greg’s prayers.

Funny how God builds relationships in the kingdom, Greg mused following this morning’s prayer and devotions. Finished with his devotional time, Greg decided to listen to some Christian music on satellite radio. Turning on the TV, he saw it was tuned to a hunting channel he frequently watched. A commercial was advertising a website for trout fishing enthusiasts. Knowing how much Fred loved trout fishing and how he was always dragging his preacher, Tink, to all the local trout streams, he decided to e-mail him the information. Nothing special, just part of the bond God had cultivated between these two men.

They had been sent out separately as individual disciples to bring the love of Christ to those in need. God had taken that time to create a lasting bond between the two. As he sent the e-mail, Greg thanked God for his long-distance brother in Christ.

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There is no such thing as a casual relationship in the Lord. We read throughout the gospel accounts of the apostles being sent out two by two. And the Epistles show us that the apostles surrounded themselves with like-minded believers: Paul and Barnabus, John and Polycarp, Peter and John Mark. Even in the Old Testament, pairings were evident: Esther and Mordecai, Naomi and Ruth, David and Jonathan, Samuel and Eli. In each of these relationships was one constant adhesive: God.

As we reflect on the relationships God created in the past, let us revere His ability to bring us together for the kingdom in this day and age. He will bring us together in Jesus’ Name and in His power for work yet to be done.

Prayer

“You are the Creator of relationships, Abba, and we give You thanks for the friends You have given us. Grow our relationships into kingdom-changing commissions. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”