The Sheep Of The Flock Will Be Scattered

Matthew 26: 31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”

Being part of a group is a comforting experience. The old adage of “There is safety in numbers” holds true for many aspects of our lives. Being part of a ‘small group’ and holding regular Bible studies has been a transformative experience for me personally and a number of my close friends. Are part of a small group?

Each of us can suffer adversity, at any time in our lives. Illness or disease, loss of a job, loss of a loved one are just a few of the many adversities we may encounter.  Any adversity can attempt to challenge our faith or even seek to destroy our faith. Many have asked the question in times of adversity “How can this happen to me?” They will also say “Surely if God loves me, He wouldn’t let this happen to me.” The simple truth is adversity can, and will happen. How we handle adversity is important. If we try to handle adversity on our own, we stand an excellent chance of failing. If we chose to handle adversity with much prayer, we will find the strength to endure. We know this because of the assurance we have in 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. When we suit up to take on adversity with the full armor of God (See Ephesians 6 for a full description) we are literally ready to take on the world. Trying to take on adversity naked and alone, without the armor of God is foolhardy. You can look around you at the many examples in our broken world of those who have failed in trying to withstand adversity. Our prisons are filled with examples of failed attempts. Our streets are littered with those who struggle without the same hope you and I hold onto. The sheep are scattered, satan can pick off each one at his leisure. No one survives alone. 

That small group I mentioned earlier, we have survived some amazing adversities. The list of adversities is really quite long. With Christ at the center of our group, the sheep did not scatter. The Good Shepherd stood by our side then, and will continue to do so in the future. He also gives us each other to offer support and encouragement. We have the lesson of the experience of the Disciples when Jesus was taken from them to reinforce our faith. We know the He is always there. The Disciples learned that lesson, and grew from the experience. Friends, my hope and prayer is that you will stay connected and not scatter in times of adversity. If you are not part of a small group, I hope you will prayerfully consider forming a small group or joining a small group soon. There truly is safety in numbers.

PRAYER: Lord, for those that reach out to You in prayer seeking peace in times of adversity we ask that you fill their hearts with Your love and comfort. Help them O’God to stand firm in their faith. Help them to share Your love with others when they have stood the test of fire. Let their faith be a beacon on the hill for all to see the love of Christ. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.