1 Corinthians 12:27 Now
you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)
Quite recently, I’ve
started to watch a cable channel which is totally dedicated to auto mechanics.
I know practically nothing about cars, but I find these programs fascinating.
Each program usually begins with an experienced mechanic finding an old wreck
of a classic car who then decides to renovate the whole vehicle and upgrade it
into a modern muscle car. The whole process is amazing and I’m absolutely riveted
to the screen watching these super mechanics recreate a wonderful new vehicle
from scratch.
Sometimes the
auto-engineers discover something seriously faulty in the car’s system. An
important part may be missing or a wire has been plugged into the wrong place.
Occasionally, the original engine has to be stripped clean and taken apart
laboriously. As I watch them do this, I often wonder how they will ever get it
together again. But at some point, they do what would be impossible for me –
they rebuild the engine and the car entirely, so that old wreck becomes a brand-new
automobile which anyone would be proud to own or drive.
I think the Lord is in the
same business, especially when He rebuilds and revives His Church. No matter
how wrecked, out-of-date, or neglected a congregation may be, when the Spirit
of the Lord moves through it, all of the parts – the people – become reconnected
to God and one another. It’s a beautiful process and one that I am presently
seeing in the church I serve. Folks are allowing themselves to be touched by
Christ and the whole spiritual engine of the congregation is being renovated
through prayer, service, and vision. It’s as if the Lord has suddenly decided
to bring all the loose parts together in order to work on the body and revive
the kirk.
The apostle Paul was
probably expressing this when he wrote to the Christians in Corinth about the
church being made up of many parts and how each one of them had both an
important and essential part to play in the well-being, ministry, and mission
of the local congregation. The great thing about his message is that it still
applies today and when we are open to the Lord’s vision for our spiritual
community, He is still willing to work on the body, renovate our spirits, and
rebuild His church.
Point to ponder
Am I willing to pray
for the revival of my local congregation? Do I know where my essential part is
in this call to be rebuilt?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You
love Your Church so much that You call it Your Bride. We are grateful for being
an essential part of Your ministry here on Earth. Renew and revive us for the
sake of Your continuing mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be
made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s old truck drawings called ‘Happy Days.’ If you would like to view a
larger version, click this link: HappyDays.
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