Gather. Such a funny word when you look at it and say it over and over again. Every time I hear it spoken out loud I envision the one saying it with their arms stretched out and then pulling everyone, and everything, in to them.
Gather. Come together, assemble or accumulate. Here is another version which just makes me smile:
Bring together and take in from scattered places.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30.
In our Revival By Design teaching around the country, we encourage others to become Gatherers. Some might be teachers, some leaders over a larger group; some are helpers, pastors, etc. But EVERYONE is a Gatherer!
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11.
A Gatherer is someone who is bringing together and taking in from scattered places. Reaching for the lost, the outcast, the down and out and yes, even the lowly. Jesus was the ultimate Gatherer. He said if we didn’t gather with Him then we were scattering. What does that mean?
To cause to separate and go in different directions.
If you aren’t gathering then you are scattering.
“As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” Ezekiel 34:12.
Jesus went after the scattered flock. He looked for those that had been cast aside or forgotten about. He rescued them and gathered them back into the sheepfold!
In these last days, let us turn our focus to gathering. We must be peacemakers in difficult situations. We need to reach a helping hand to those that have hit rock bottom. And we must be willing to open our hearts and open our arms to all of those that need Jesus. The only view they may have of HIM is you and me.
Do they see us as a Gatherer; ready to take in those that are hungry for a life change? Or do they see us as a Scatterer; one that causes confusion and division in the Body of Christ?
Praying today that I would have the mind and heart of a shepherd who is constantly caring for his flock and desperate to go after any that have scattered.
I took this picture of The Sweetheart in the country of Estonia at a beautiful outdoor museum. Everyone a Shepherd, everyone a Gatherer!
Blessings, friends. Feel free to comment on your take on gathering and scattering. I would love to hear!
Sharing with Sunday Stillness
Thank you so much!! Sorry it has been too long to respond but I appreciate you stopping by. ♥
Thank you so much for visiting Beth and forgive me for my delay in responding. Yes, I have read that book, several times actually! It is amazing!! So many good things in there about the sheep and shepherd. thanks for reminding me…I think I gave it to someone but may have to get another one! Blessings. ♥
So true, Kathryn! Love and open arms, not rules and exclusions. Love that!
Love this – if we’re not gathering, we are scattering. We need to be gathering people to the church and to God, not building walls and divisions. Using love and open arms, not rules and exclusions.
Nannette, love this post, and the adorable photos of the sheep! Have you read the small, but powerful little book, “A Shepherd’s Guide to the 23rd Psalm”…oh, it is so good. I also love the parable Jesus shares about the lost sheep, how the Shepherd leaves the 99 and goes to look for it, finds it, lifts it up to His shoulders, carries it back…all the sheep had to do was allow itself to be loved and redeemed…how like each of us and our Loving Great Shepherd of the sheep. Many blessings to you!
Hi Nannette!
I’m your neighbor on Five Minute Friday this week! I enjoyed what you wrote and your thoughts on the prompt word of gather. I also enjoyed the pictures of the sheep. Great job, as always!
Blessings to you and yours,
Shirley
http://www.lightlovehope.com