A Little Flock

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. A Little Flock. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke twelve thirty two. Yeah.

The world tends to measure success by size, and this seems generally true in the Christian world as well. The most successful churches are considered to be those with the largest congregations, the largest budgets, the greatest number of converts baptized each year, or some other quantitative index. But this is not God's criterion. at the judgment seat of Christ, the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is not how big it is, but of what sort it is. Quality, not quantity, is the criterion.

Christ's encouraging words to the little flock were given toward the end of an extended warning against the desire to accumulate wealth. Take heed and beware of covetousness, he had said, speaking to his small group of followers. He was their shepherd and would provide for the needs of his little flock. Christ's warnings against individual covetousness evidently apply also to group covetousness. A church or any other Christian organization needs continually to guard against the desire to be impressive in the eyes of the world.

The cities of Christendom exhibit many ornate cathedrals and temples that are now mostly empty and spiritually dead. The Lord Jesus promised an open door to the little church at Philadelphia, because it had little strength, and had kept his word. But he threatened to spew out of his mouth the tepid church at Laodicea, which was boasting that it was rich and increased with goods. Not every little flock has kept God's word, nor has every big flock become lukewarm. But Christ's words serve as both warning and encouragement.

The greater blessings of the coming kingdom have been promised to the faithful little flock. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.

Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.