Jesus came to his disciples, walking on the sea.” That was then. Now he walks in us by the Holy Spirit. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
The preceding verse indicates that agreed prayer guarantees the presence of Jesus in our midst and draws our Heavenly Father’s response to our prayers. Did Jesus mean that when two or three gathered in his name he would then join them? Or did he mean that he was “in the midst” wherever they gathered together in his Name? The latter, I believe.
Jesus said that he had come “in my Father’s name” yet he never once mentioned his Father’s name (Adonai or Yahweh.) He addressed God as “Father”. So, the Name is not an “identity tag” to use when praying, or ministering, but one that conveys the Father’s splendid reputation, endless abilities, spotless character and innumerable attributes.
Which conveys the thought that the Lord’s Name is inseparable from His Person. Wherever we gather in the Name of Jesus, the Lord is in our midst. He does not have to come to where we are gathered in his Name because our very gathering together “in his Name” assures us of his presence.
The LORD, when speaking of His Angel said: “Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my Name is in him. But if you shall indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will be an adversary to your adversaries.” (Exodus 23:20-22)
Note: “his voice…that I speak” — the Angel of the LORD spoke as the LORD Himself (but being an angel had no power of discretion). The LORD and His Name are inseparable! Knowing this will likely make your “two or three” gatherings not only satisfying but memorable!