Scripture

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on Earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.

Observation

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, he will leave the 99 to rescue the one. In the same way, it is not the Father’s will that any should perish.

If a believer sins against you, there is a way to seek restoration. Firstly, try to work it out privately. If that does not work then take two others with you. If that does not resolve the issue, take the case to the whole church which might choose to remove him.

Whatever we bind in Earth is forbidden in heaven. When believers agree on discipline, it carries the weight of Christ’s authority. For whenever two or three gather in His name, He is in our midst.

Application

This section is packed with favourite texts which are taken out of context and twisted often out of recognisable shape. When we read this passage together, it shows that

1. The parable of the lost sheep is not about evangelism, but about restoring people who walk away from fellowship.

2. Jesus doesn’t give us an open order for intercession that any group of two or three christians get their payers answered. No, this is about the authority of the church when imposing church discipline.

3. The things we bind and loose on Earth are not spiritual powers, but in fact judgements placed on brothers and sisters who are sinning against other believers.

When we read the scriptures in context, rather than extracting a text from its context, our understanding of God’s word and of God Himself become much more coherent.

Prayer

I thank you, Lord, that you give us a process for when believers go astray. Please help us to trust you in these situations. Amen.