Journeying Together

When less is more

Date:

Speaker: Tony Murphy

READ Judges 7v1-7

With God, less is often more, especially in terms of numbers, as we clearly see in today’s reading. We see God how God creatively reduced the army from 32,000 to 300, that is less than 1% of the original number. If Gideon went on to succeed, it was very clear it would be down to trusting in God!

  1. God considered it a serious sin when David counted his military force (2 Sam 24 same reasons)
  2. Jesus changed the word with an “army” of 12 disciples. He spent 80% of his time ministering to between 1 and 12 people (eg Zaccheus, Mary, his disciples)
  3. Similarly, he has never asked us to look at the numbers, but has always asked us to look to him. Church is about the gathering with each other and with God. In general (Both personally and in church), it’s about looking to God alone for everything including provision, addition, multiplication and good fruit
  4. With God, it’s about names above numbers. He sees us by name not a head count!
  5. In meeting together, including in our Journeying Together groups, primarily it’s about his power and presence. We must always remember that Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

FOR DISCUSSION

  1. Can you name situations when “Less is more” for you?
  2. Apart from numbers, what things can you rely on more than relying on God? Is it money, health, popularity? How can you trust in God more in these circumstance
  3. When we meet together in JT or church, God sees the names, not the numbers. He calls you by name. How does this encourage you personally?