From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
—Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)
Ephesians and Colossians emphasize that no human being, or even a group of human beings, is the head of the Church. Jesus alone is the head of the Church. He sets our direction. He is our example. Christ is our goal for ministry and maturity (Colossians 1:28-29). Jesus also gifts people in his Church and arranges us in his Body as he chooses, giving us gifts he wants us to use to bless each other and honor God. Christ holds us together, enabling us to serve effectively as his presence in the world as each of us uses our gifts. So, let's set our hearts on Jesus. Let's use his life and love to inspire us. Let's look back on Jesus' earthly ministry to remind us how had whom we should serve. Let's give Jesus our allegiance and loyalty as the Christ, who alone is the head of his Body, the Church. Let's let him lead!
Righteous Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his example, service, obedience, love, and sacrifice. Thank you for his resurrection, exaltation, power, and presence today in your Church and in my life. Father, please use me and my brothers and sisters in Christ with me to do his work in our world and share your grace with all who are lost. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Ephesians and Colossians emphasize that no human being, or even a group of human beings, is the head of the Church. Jesus alone is the head of the Church. He sets our direction. He is our example. Christ is our goal for ministry and maturity (Colossians 1:28-29). Jesus also gifts people in his Church and arranges us in his Body as he chooses, giving us gifts he wants us to use to bless each other and honor God. Christ holds us together, enabling us to serve effectively as his presence in the world as each of us uses our gifts. So, let's set our hearts on Jesus. Let's use his life and love to inspire us. Let's look back on Jesus' earthly ministry to remind us how had whom we should serve. Let's give Jesus our allegiance and loyalty as the Christ, who alone is the head of his Body, the Church. Let's let him lead!
My Prayer...
Righteous Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his example, service, obedience, love, and sacrifice. Thank you for his resurrection, exaltation, power, and presence today in your Church and in my life. Father, please use me and my brothers and sisters in Christ with me to do his work in our world and share your grace with all who are lost. In the name of the LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
