THE GREAT CONGREGATION

"I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."  (Psa 35:18)

Four times the Psalmist mentions "the great congregation." He declares his praise and the payment of his vows will be before it (22:25). He preached righteousness before it (40:9). He did not conceal God's lovingkindness and truth from it (40:10). In our text affirms he will give God thanks before it. Other translations call it "the great assembly" (NKJV, NIV). What is this "great congregation," this "great assembly" of which the man after God's own heart was so acutely conscious? It is quite true that Jesus promises He would be with the two or three who gathered in His name (Matt 18:20). However, that is not intended to promote the disdain of large assemblies of saints, particularly when it comes to extolling our God. In a sense – a very refreshing sense – we are presently in "the great congregation." It is the "general assembly and church of the Firstborn who Are registered in heaven" (Heb 12:23). In addition to every personality that has been redeemed, there is even a larger assembly in which the vast number of holy angels are in attendance (Heb 12:22-23), as well as our heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus as well. The vast gathering is "the great congregation" before whom we give our thanks and praise. Whether or not we are aware of them, you may rest assured, they are aware of us. When we speak with an acute awareness of their presence, it will help us to frame our words more acceptably. When, for example, we speak of things regarding the Law, it will be good to remember Moses is listening. When we speak of the fulfillment of great prophecies, recall how the prophets are also listening from the heavenly realms. Should we choose to speak of women, let us recall the ears of Miriam, Debra, Huldah, Elizabeth, Phebe, and other notables lean forward to hear what we say. When we handle the words of the Apostles, it is good to recall they have an interest in what we say. O brethren, let us be mindful of "the great congregation." If Abraham knew about the brothers of the rich man who went to hell (Lk 16:29), he doubtless is aware of some of our circumstances. If we speak of oppression or hardships we are enduring, ponder what a vast multitude of departed sufferers may be hearing what we say. Speak to thje people upon earth, but speak to them with "the great congregation" in mind. If Paul's spirit could meet with the Corinthian believers in crisis (1 Cor 5:4), who knows what noble spirits are gathered together with us as we give thanks to our God? Let your vision stretch our to include kindred spirits from all ages and regions. Speak before "the great congregation."