My Father's house

One thing that always strikes me, is a man's devotion to God's family... it sincerely does not make human sense. Some of us seem to feel this all consuming love for the church and its people. I had previously thought this (for me) was mainly my love for the ministry I belonged to, but I have since realized that it goes far beyond- I honestly love the whole body of Christ -emotionally, with my strength and spiritually. Why? (This isn't a question for you, it was the question I asked myself recently).

Why do I stay? Why do I feel so strongly about building it up? Why do I sometimes take abuse and insults patiently when I could slam them? Why do I feel responsible for correcting it's flaws in a constructive way? Why do I care about it's leaders succeeding in God's will? It seems stupid and illogical, especially when I, as well as so many others, seem to have always (physically) given it far more than we have (physically) received from it. As these questions popped enquiringly into my mind, the Holy Spirit explained my own spirit to me: It is because of a sincere love for the Father.

The Church is our father's family.

To love God is to love his family, To love Christ is to love his church.

Actually, what the Lord showed me was this scripture in John 2:17: - 'His disciples remembered that it is written [in the Scriptures], “Zeal (love, concern) for Your house [and its honor] will consume Me .” AMP Jesus had observed the trading and business deals taking place in the synagogue i.e the temple or place of worship in Israel. He was enraged. Filled with righteous anger at the desecration and demeaning of the place, he made whips and drove out all the merchants, shouting - “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” John 2:16 NIV

Wow! ...He didn't build the building, neither was he an employed minister in it, yet he claimed it as his own! The scripture remembered by his disciples is this: "For your sake I suffer insults, shame covers my face. I am estranged from my brothers, an alien to my mother’s children, because zeal for your house is eating me up, and on me are falling the insults of those insulting you." Psalm 69:8‭-‬10 CJB Jesus knew his calling was not to a physical building (Mark 13:1-2), but his all consuming zeal was for what the Temple represented. It represented his Father so, for him, it was always personal.

At the age of 12 years old, he showed just how secure, comfortable and confident he was of belonging that he forgot himself in it! When questioned by his parents about his disappearance (they had spent 3 days searching for him), he questioned their astonishment : " Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is.” Luke 2:49 ERV The Church of Jesus Christ is all of us (Jesus followers) together. Wherever we have designated as our regular place to meet as family, our daddy God is there and Jesus is there (Matthew 18:20). It is sacred, holy and ours. That place represents our heavenly family home on earth. In everyday understanding, family homes belong (or should!) to each member of the family equally. It serves for the common good and protection (covering) of all it's members. It is a place of safety where you can grow without fear knowing you belong as much as the next person in it because of a shared identity - Family. In the same way, the church meeting place is a physical gathering place of a spiritual family. It belongs to each one of us equally even as much as it belongs to our father God. It is our very own family home where we receive nourishment, instruction, discipline and most especially, acceptance. We are comfortable in it and we belong because of our shared identity - Christ. Christ's church is the pillar of Truth [1 Timothy 3:15]. It is one place that should reflect the Truth, Right and Agape (divine love) of God our father. The head is Jesus Christ represented in us by the spirit of God - the Holy Spirit. Among us, are those with varying roles and responsibilities and therefore different levels of spiritual authority. Though this is necessary for structure, growth and order, we are equally brothers and sisters. At home, we learn to behave properly. We grow into more responsibility. We learn to love one another. Irrespective of our flaws, we belong; Because we are family. And THIS family loves.

And because love protects, gives and builds, We give, We build,

We protect; Forever.

Amen? .......... "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:15 NIV