December 16

“How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight . . .” Deuteronomy 32:30

Christianity is unique in that it is not only individual but corporate in nature. It stresses the coming together of the saints. Other religions advocate piety; Christianity alone calls people to assemble.

It is promised here that whereas one chases off 1,000 foes, two put to flight ten times that number. We do not know how this is possible, for the arithmetic seems wrong, but it is a fact. We would calculate that if one can chase 1,000, then two will dispose of 2,000. But God says NO. Eight thousand more will flee when two of his children unite. This added effectiveness is the surplus gained from meeting and working together. Let us not, therefore, be content with personal grace alone. God has so much more he can do with us together.