March 14

GOD'S LITTLE FLOCK
by Ray Prinzing

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
                                                                                                               (Luke 12:32).

A "little flock" - the Greek word here is "poimnion," a particular word that not only denotes a flock, but distinctly means a LITTLE flock.  The same word is used four other times, in just two passages, so we note them.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock (little flock) over which the holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock (little flock)."  (Acts 20:28-29).  The foreknowledge of what awaited the little flock was a heavy burden upon the heart of Paul, but he also knew he could "commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."  (Acts 20:32).

Many have thought that since the flock was little, few in numbers, it was also fragile and easily diminished, but not so, for it is a flock that is infused with HIS STRENGTH, and their very might, paradoxical as it might see, lies in their weakness as far as this world system goes.  Persecuted and driven out, scattered and reproached, the flock only grows the stronger.  The constant shaking and sifting might keep it trimmed to a minority, but the stormy winds only cause them to take a deeper refuge in the Lord, and this He becomes their might.

"Feed the flock (little flock) of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (little flocks). (1 Peter 5:2-3).  Properly fed and nourished, in due time the little flock will become mature sheep and capable of bearing lambs, reproducing after their own kind. Thank God for those who joyfully labor to see the flock "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour."  (2 Peter 3:18).