“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12: 32).
Do you often feel small, powerless and fearful? The Bridge Fellowship is a “little flock”—with little influence. We are few in number and weak with limitations. We often fear that we might not have enough people or resources. When first time visitors come, they may be tempted to despise our smallness—-in a marketplace of competition, comparison and consumerism.
But our great Shepherd does not despise us. He says, “Fear not, little flock.” We are small but He is great! He sees us as a “little flock” because we are dear to Him. Our Shepherd feeds and provides for us (vv. 22-29). We need not fear of lacking resources or manpower simply because we are “little” in number. Even the disciples were a “little flock” in comparison to the religious leaders and the powerful Romans. But it was for His “little flock” that the great Shepherd laid down His life.
From the earliest of times, God has always worked through little people. He chose a weak elderly childless couple (Abraham and Sarah) and created the nation of Israel. He said to the Isrealites,
“It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set His love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples” (Deut. 7: 7).
Therefore, we can take comfort and courage that the Lord often chooses the smallest. He can take our weak church and turn us into trophies of His grace. He has set His love on us and chosen us, not because we are more in number than other churches. We might even be among the fewest of the churches in Tokyo. When we consider the needs of gospel mission in a nation with only about 1 % Christian, it can feel intimidating.
But Jesus says to us, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Though we are little, our Father is pleased to give us the kingdom in which Christ our shepherd King rules. He has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken or destroyed. Just as He used fearful disciples to turn the world upside down, He can take a small church to advance His kingdom.
Remember Jesus Himself! Jesus came from Bethlemen of Ephrathah—”the smallest of the clans of Judah” (Luke 2: 5, 7, Micah 5: 2). His power is displayed in and through little people. When we pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11: 2) He is advancing His kingdom for His glory. Therefore, let us not fear because of our smallness. Fear not, The Bridge Fellowship! Your heavenly Father is pleased to give you His kingdom.
With love,
Pastor Joey.Z