Jesus in His Relationships - Jesus and the Church (Daily Devotional)

Shalom and welcome to the last episode in this series of Living Supernaturally, where we have been focusing and looking at Jesus in His relationships. We pray that Jesus has modelled for us how we can be in our own relationships. In today’s devotional, we are going to look at Jesus and the church and His sacrificial love. When we think of relationships, one of the most profound images in the bible is that of Christ and the church. The bible uses many images to describe His church. It describes it as the household, God’s family, the body of Christ but perhaps the most intimate in this is the church being as Christ’ bride. Just as the bridegroom delights in His bride, we see Jesus delights in His people. Paul reminds us that Jesus didn’t just love the church in words but He demonstrated through His life by sacrificially giving His life for the church. Ephesians chapter 5, verse 25 reads, ‘Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.’ How is love measured? Love is measured by what we are willing to give and we see that Jesus gave His very life to His people. His death on the cross was not only for individuals but for His people, the church and His sacrifice tells us how precious we are in His sight. Jesus explains His goal which is to sanctify the church which means to present her to Himself as a radiant church without blemish, stain or wrinkle. His love just doesn’t save us; it actually changes us. Like a bride who is being prepared on her wedding day, Jesus is preparing us for the great marriage supper of the lamb. So, to love Jesus is actually to love His bride. Our calling is to serve, encourage and pray for and build up the church. Just as Jesus gave Himself up for the church, we too are called to give of ourselves- our time, our gifts, our love for the strengthening of His people. So, sacrificial love means to place others before yourself, giving of your time, energy and resources for the building up of God’s people. Just as Christ nurtures His bride, we are called to strengthen, encourage and to stand alongside the body of Christ. Let’s pray together, Heavenly Father, we thank you for where you have placed us in our own local churches. May we love our people, the people of God like you loved the church. May we be sacrificial, may we give out our resources- our time and energy to the uplifting of people. We pray that you will empower us to do this by your Spirit, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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