OUTCRY: God’s Heart For Your ChurchSample

Me or We?

Yesterday we dove into the new identity God places on you. But what about us?

There are identities that God has for us. Things he says about the body of Christ that are irrevocable. Identities given to us individually but also corporately. 

So who does he say we are? Does he define us by our flawed history? Our current imperfections? Or does he have a deeper identity for his church?

There is this profound parallel that Paul brings to the table in Ephesians 5. The Love that Christ has for us —for his church— is like the love of a husband for his wife. The deep and meaningful covenant of marriage, the bringing together of two individuals into one flesh is a parallel for the love that Jesus has for his church. There is this beautiful mingling of two identities being intertwined into each others lives. And Paul doesn't stop there. He loves and cares for us like he loves and cares for his own body.

The profound mystery is this, Jesus cares for his bride as he cares for himself. There is this great, divine mingling and blurriness between the where God’s love for Jesus starts and where his love for his church ends. His peace becomes our peace. His sacrifice becomes our sacrifice. His story becomes our story.

As you read this morning, think about the love Jesus has for us. For his body and bride.

Prayer: God, open my eyes to the beauty and power of the Church. Remind me that it isn't based on earning or reputation, but on identity that you have placed on us. Help me to see the Church—and my Church—as you see her. Amen