Message from Scripture: 12/17/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Eph. 5:29: “For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church.”

 

In this section of Scripture, Paul uses the analogy of husband and wife to illustrate the relationship between Christ and His body, the church. There are two essential elements of this he emphasizes to us. A person nourishes and tenderly cares for oneself, that our existence can be all it has the potential to be. This is the way a husband should provide for his wife as well. The greatest example of this is in how Christ provides for His church. He nourishes it, meaning to bring up to maturity, to train or educate so one can choose to make the best choices. Christ also cares for His church, meaning to cherish, to treasure and appreciate. It certainly speaks of the depth of love a husband should have for his family, and reminds us of how much Christ loved the church, that He gave Himself for us.

 

Since Christ is head of the body, the church, do we extend these qualities to Him in how we live? Do we allow Him to bring us to maturity through the training He provides in His word? As Peter reminds us, “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord” (1 Pet. 2:2-3).

 

Do we also love Him as He has loved us, to commit ourselves wholly and completely to Him, and to each other, as He offered Himself for us? “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14).

 

As we go through our lives, from beginning to end, we need to be nourished and cared for. Christ does this for us spiritually throughout our journey in the flesh, that we might be prepared to be with Him for all time. Do we help each other as we go along life’s way for this same goal? Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we can grow, and help each other grow, to eternal life. God bless.

 

Robert