The privilege of worshipping God in different countries brings a little insight into the Body of Christ. While we don’t see this Body perfectly, God does, and he is preparing a bride for his beloved Son. As we worshipped in one of the poorest areas of Namibia, the Name of God was lifted up and a part of the Body of Christ (Namibian and American) listened to his Word.
Here’s a summary of the sermon the Sunday before Easter: “We are the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of this Body and he ties us together with ligaments that allow us to function. Do you know what ties us together? It is love! Of course ‘God is love’… so he ties us together, but we must participate with him. If we do not obey what the Head commands, the Body does not function properly. ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’ Brothers and sisters, we do not have a choice in this matter; we must love one another. Through this we will grow, as each one of us does our part. ‘Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful cunning. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’” (Ephesians 4:14-16)
Such a message is as important in our land as it is in anywhere. The love of Christ has no national boundaries. The love of Christ has no status boundaries. The love of Christ has no positional boundaries. We are all members of one Body. Each of us is different with our own part to play. God has chosen where we are placed and how we are to function. But whatever our gifts, whatever our role, we must love.
I went to a funeral yesterday of a twenty-one year old friend who died of a drug overdose this past weekend. The grieving mother is a native of Brazil but she is a dear sister. Her younger, nineteen year old son dresses differently than my kids, but just like my children, he desperately needs to know the love of a Heavenly Father. How does this happen? How do all the young people who came to pay respects to their friend recognize that there really is hope in this world? I know only one solution: the all powerful, penetrating, perfect love of God. Oh may we be his instruments. May his love flow through every part of the Body of Christ. May the world know there is a God because his children love one another. May we love others as Jesus loves us.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those that rejoice; mourn with those that mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:9-16