Discerning the Body of Christ in Prayer– 09/05/08
[u]One individual[/u]: Many times I weep as I think of what a poor vessel I am for our Lord, what handicaps I bring to Him, how vaguely I perceive the part He has for me. But then I think of others and I am so thankful for all the others who are more grown in Christ: those who see more clearly, respond more truly, and obey more fully.
[u]Local fellowships to Nation and worldwide[/u]: As my heart reaches out to embrace the larger body, again I weep that we, who are known of our Lord, are in such poor shape everywhere and yet we are what he has for hands and feet in this current world. Mostly distracted babies, young unsteady youth that spurt and run hot and cold one minute with the things of the World and the next minute with the things of God, sleepers, and weaklings in the battle, and sprinkled here and there are the stronglings in the Lord, and watchmen and wonderful older Saints that do not faint.
[u]The Eternal Body of Christ[/u]. But then I catch a glimpse of the Body of Christ [u]that I do not weep over[/u], the great Eternal Body of Christ, all the faithful ones that have gone ahead for over 2000 years, from all over this earth, an uncountable number of ones that few knew of, fitted together along with John and Paul that nearly all knew of, and the men and women whose words are kept on this site. These too are the Body of Christ and we are one with them. They continue to have a part on this earth, in these days, as God uses them, their written and recorded words, to grow us. What a Joy to fellowship and be strengthened and aided by this whole Eternal Body of Christ.
From this perspective, our local, current “poor” state looks like dirty feet and mud on the hem of the garment of a glorious Body. Yes, in much urgent need of cleansing and care. But I thank God that His body is more than feet. This Everlasting Body really encourages me in prayer. And again I can hear from the cross “It is finished.”
