Blog post April 3, 2026

Then Jesus said to them, "all of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Matthew 26:31

What a picture; sheep grazing in the pasture when trouble comes and strikes their shepherd. How do sheep react to fear? Sheep are animals of pray so their natural instinct is to flee. After they flee, they flock back together for safety. They have a heard mentalilty. As you think about that, it explains why there is a longing in the soul to gather together as a church. It is natural instinct for sheep. On judgement day when Jesus divides the sheep and the goats, it won't be hard to find the sheep.

When Jesus was struck, the disciples fled, but soon gathered back together. After the women discovered Jesus had rose from the dead Jesus told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. It wasn't hard to find them, they were all gathered back together.

It is interesting to think about. As people come to Christ in countries where it is illegal to do so, it doesn't keep them from gathering together. Sheep need each other. We were not made to self isolate. We were made to gather together. When the church is gathered together the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

Paul says "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Stand brethren, rather than flee. Having done all to stand. God knows our natural instinct in times of trouble is to scatter. His encouragement is to stand together, not flee.

Thank You Heavenly Father for brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for the comfort and strength we gain from one another as we gather together. We need each other and we were designed for each other. Even gifted for one another to meet one anothers needs. Thank You in Jesus name Amen.