Quantity

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Abraham was told his descendants would be a vast number; similarly in heaven there will also be a great multitude, who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus (Gen 16:10, 22:17; Rev 7:9,10).

Mary, one of the followers of Jesus had many sins, yet was forgiven all by the Lord – just like we are if we also repent and turn from them as she did (Lk 7:47; 1 Jn 1:9). Likewise, the Bible instructs us to forgive numerous times, even for a repeated offence, just as God does for us when we habitually sin (Mt 6:12-14, 18:21,22).

Much forgiveness leads to much gratitude – Luke 7:47

Many believed in Jesus because they saw reality and the gospel preached effectively (Jn 4:41; Act 14:1). Christ set free a demonic man who had numerous major problems in his life (Mk 5:9,15,19). Regardless of the many things that may be against us and bondages within, God has the power to deliver us from them all if we are determined to enter into the freedom that is our right as His children (Isa 53:12; Lk 4:18,19; Jn 8:32,36; Gal 5:1).

After fishing all night without any success, in obedience to Christ’s directive, the experienced fishermen threw in the net again and caught a large number of big fish (Jn 21:1-11). Perhaps we do things too often in our own strength or wisdom with little result; however, when we do things God’s way the results are amazing.

David said, “Many are the trials of the righteous but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Ps 34:19). He also stated, “God, all the wonderful things you have done for me are too many to declare” (Ps 40:5). We have been blessed immeasurably too, and should never stop thanking God or telling of the good things He has done (Isa 25:1; Lk 8:39). In the OT the blessing of God was often related to financial prosperity and possessions, yet under the new covenant there is a change of emphasis – blessing comes from the quality of our relationship with God rather than the quantity of our material possessions (Gen 26:12-16; Job 1:10, 42:10-16; Lk 12:15; Jn 1:12, 10:10).

We often think numbers or size is the gauge to measure success by, however God looks for faithfulness and obedience from His servants and the quality of their results. The widow’s small sacrificial offering was more valuable because she gave from her heart in an attitude of loving devotion compared to the large amounts of the rich people who only

Much love results in much devotion – John 14:3-10

gave of their surplus to impress the onlookers (Mk 12:41-44; 2 Cor 8:12). It is a ‘kingdom principle’ that increase will come by being generous and giving away, while not being willing to invest in the lives of others results in poverty (Prov 11:24; Lk 6:38, 18:13-23; Jn 12:24). Another is that ‘love covers’ or effectively deals with many sins that, if handled by the world’s methods, would cause conflict (1 Pet 4:8). It is not necessary to pray long prayers, rather pour out your heart’s requests in earnestness to God (1 Sam 1:10-16; Mt 6:7).

With a greater number of people there is a diversity of viewpoints and the collective wisdom is beneficial in decision-making, yet be careful to also seek the Lord’s guidance for it is by His Spirit success comes (Jdg 7:2; Prov 15:22, 24:6; Zech 4:6). The harvest we reap is but an increase of the seed sown – a projection of the attitude and principles adopted. The input into any given endeavour will be reduced if the resources and effort is extended over too many different avenues.