Jesus Loves His Church. Do We?

🎶"Immanuel" sung by Worship Leader Grace Balint🎶

The Church Jesus talks about that will 'not be overcome by the gates of hell" in Matthew 16:18 is not made of brick and mortar. Nope.  Not literal buildings, but people who have repented of their sins, been washed clean by the blood of Jesus, and have become followers of Jesus Christ. These are people who have been called by God as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

But of course, my inspired focus is to zero-in on the power and potential of what God can do with the sisterhood who claims their identity to be WOMEN WHO FOLLOW JESUS. Bam! Period. 

Everything else will flow from that:  "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."(Matthew 6:33).

I'm compelled to encourage the global sisterhood by reminding all of us that Jesus is the source of all life and power, healing and hope. So here we are, my sisters, we are  part of the global Church AKA people of God AKA the Body of Christ.

The Church in heaven is a glorified Body of Believers, made up of "a great multitude of people that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

(Side note: this is one of the main reasons racism is stupid. How in the world does anyone who is a racist think they can come against God's righteous, sovereign, universal plan that includes "every nation, tribe, people, and language" and say only one people group matters? They can't. It is impossible.)

Jesus loves His Church so much, He gave up His life to birth it. "... just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."  (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Do we love the church so much we're willing to deny ourselfies (!) and show up and serve His Church wholeheartedly...for the glory of His Name and His purposes? Do we love the local church like that? Do we love the global church like that? Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,  and give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28) 

During the days of the Bible, the women who followed Jesus selflessly served Him with all that was in their thankful hearts. They knew He was the One who healed their bodies and their souls. They worshiped Him as they went and even tithed to His ministry, the Church!  "Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna, the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others provided out of their own means" (Luke 8:2-3)

"Many women were there [at Jesus' resurrection], watching at a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for His needs. (Matthew 27:55) And even today as women who follow Jesus, we are also called to care for the needs of the local church. Do we love Christ like that? 

After Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples returned to the upper room where they were staying in Jerusalem. "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (Acts 1:14). The women appeared fearless and faithful in their following of Jesus. They certainly were bold to pray faithfully!

These women were also willing to be persecuted because they were followers of Christ. "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison." (Acts 8:1-3)

Do you hear the call, Sister, as a woman who follows Jesus? Women are born nurturers. Yep. We were born that way. LOL! Well, it's true!  Will we deny ourselves and prayerfully, joyfully, and boldly rise up in love and service to Jesus and intentionally be nurturers of our local churches and communities?  Do we love Jesus that much?

Remember, Immanuel means God is with us. 

💖Polly
"Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together!"
Psalm 34:3