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God's plan for double and more

That their hearts migh be comforted, being knit together in love. Colossians 2:3

Even more than we desire the growth of God’s kingdom, Jesus wants to increase His church exponentially. Being the God of order, He has a plan for His enterprise that is attainable and understandable. Simply, double will create double (or more). A brief look at the Bible will explain.

While God enables an individual standing for truth, He pours abundant resources into an effort carried out in unity. We can see this principle demonstrated in many aspects of our spiritual life. For example, when God’s people face enemies, the Lord responds with victory beyond expectation when we stand together. The Lord instructed His people in Deuteronomy 20:2-4 to hear the priest’s encouragement before going into battle. When the people of Judah found themselves in an outmatched conflict in II Chronicles 20:4, they “gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD.” The men, women, and children (verse 13) sought the Lord, and He answered with a miraculous triumph that required three full days to reap the spoils.

Church service becomes more than a routine meeting if the saints will join their hearts and praise and attention. As Solomon dedicated the Temple, the arrangements were perfectly ordered and complete. But it was not until “the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD” (II Chronicles 5:13) that the glory cloud descended and filled the house.

To spread the Word of God, the Lord ordained unified efforts. Saul (later Paul) took truth to the Jews in Damascus (Acts 9:22), but when he joined with Barnabas, Silas, Aristarchus, and other fellow laborers, Jesus used them to turn the world upside down (Acts 17:4-6) with the gospel. The plan of apostolic teams came from Jesus, who sent His disciples by pairs. And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him (Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV). I may be weak alone, but if I join hands with you, we are invincible!

As members of the body of Christ, we must support our leaders, pastors, and fellow saints. This entails not only financial and moral support but also the investment of our time and energy. One or two people cannot reach the German-speaking nations for Jesus, but all of us reaching out, in harmony with one another, can gather the harvest for Jesus. When we make a covenant with God and His church, He commands all creation to assist us. I pledge to lift you, and I need your help. Why not allow the Lord to double and then multiply the results for His glory? This is certainly His design and desire! Missionary Bethany Sledge