God is not a Collectivist

“According to Christ’s estimate, one individual is of unspeakable value.

“‘I say unto you, likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.’

“Is that really God’s thought about us human beings, so sinful and unworthy? Among so many millions on millions does He really care for every one of us? or is He so busy with the eternities and immensities that He overlooks individuals and details?

“Not so the Bible teaching. He notes every sparrow’s fall, and counts the hairs of the head. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name. In view of the vastness of the universe, how comforting this truth is! God is not a mere “collectivist” God. He does not herd people en masse. He takes a personal interest in each one. Have you ever thought about it, that God must have created each atom separately, and now must sustain each one and keep it in its place? How else could an atom ever have come into existence? How else could each atom be kept where it belongs? Well, if He cares for atoms, how much more does He care for you and me who are rational and immortal beings!

From Keyser, Leander. In the Redeemer’s Footsteps: Sermons on the Gospel Lessons for the Church Year. 1918. Lutheran Library Edition

Almost everything that is going on around us today in the church and in the world is “collectivist” in nature. The spirit of the age wants us to look at each other as “germy”, “disease vectors”, “dangerous”. It wants us to hate Muslims, or Jews, the rich, the homeless, the democrats, the republicans, THEM. The evil Black Lives Matter movement teaches hate of whites, and even hates black people who do not tow the line. BLM will not speak out about individuals who die, except when it serves them as a pretext to wreak destruction and to advance its “collectivist” ideals.

By definition, all such political movements must be anti-Christ, anti-God, and anti-individual. They seek blood, death, suffering. They are not movements for freedom, nor can be.

Don’t get sucked into the delusions of the world. “Come out and be ye separate, saith the Lord.”