The English Standard Version of the Bible translates
Revelation 6:14, “The sky vanished like
a scroll that is being rolled up…” The
word translated “vanished” literally means “an extreme splitting apart,” which
makes you realize that those who will witness this end-times event will certainly
see something quite terrible and spectacular!
This Greek word, apochorizo,
is used only one other place in the New Testament…in Acts 15:39. That’s right, it’s the word used to describe
the splitting up of Paul and Barnabas.
There was no subtlety or thoughtful suggestion that, “we should just
agree to disagree.” This was a complete
splitting apart of two friends and ministry partners who had spent countless
hours and numerous bonding experiences together. In short order they “vanished” from each
other’s sight and consciousness!
In hindsight we all know God’s purpose for this fissure was
to multiply these two capable co-leaders into two powerful mission teams. Yet, I have to wonder how many of us would
have argued with them…”but you could be so much more effective if you would
pool abilities and work together as a team of four, instead of two teams of
two!” In today’s world of mergers, mega
shopping centers, and “too big to fail” institutions we’ve become conditioned
that bigger means more resources, which certainly is best for everyone.
Are bigger churches better for everyone? The truth is that bigger is better…for
some. Speaking universally bigger isn’t
better and smaller isn’t better. Bigger
is different from smaller, and you could say that, “bigger is separated from smaller.”
In the beginning God created light and
separated it from darkness. He also
separated waters above from those below, and land from water. God separated all of the species and people
from the animals, and men from women, as well as married couples were to
separate from their families of origin.
Why?
Simply speaking, God separates to distinguish purposes. You are unique/separated from every other
person in this world. This suggests purpose
regardless of how significant or insignificant you believe your abilities to
be. The same can be said for every
church that is led by Godly leadership and every church planter who has been
called by God. When Christians understand this it leads to a "team" attitude rather than one of competition. We're all on the same team trying to win people to Christ and to teach them to follow Him. Each person and each church regardless of size has a purpose to fulfill as a part of the "making disciples" team.
