I noticed her beauty as soon as I walked through the doors. There she was in her attractive, genuine regalia. Oh, there are times she doesn't look so good, but overall, she is and was absolutely radiant! And this was one of those many times!
Who? The Bride . . . the Bride of Christ, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9).
Recently I was away to fill the pulpit on a Sunday morning only for a church two hours away. What a privilege to serve the Lord and His people via the preached Word! Nevertheless, my wife and I missed our "home folk."
That evening as we spoke with folks in the parking lot and walked through the front doors, we saw the Bride in her beauty.
- The joy of happy countenances and a warm greeting!
- "We sure missed you all this morning! Glad you could be here tonight!"
- Firm handshakes and caring hugs.
- "How was it? We prayed for you!"
- Worship through passionate singing woven around the reading of various Scripture passages.
- Moments of pause to consider the text of songs and Scripture.
- Testimonies given by children and adults praising the manifestation of God's character and grace!
- Seeing a husband and wife hold hands as they sang together; an example of Christ's love for His Church.
- Children serving by taking the microphone to folks who testified.
- Adults serving the children while they played in the gym after the service.
- Many hanging around enjoying conversation, bearing one another's burdens, being joyful, asking questions, growing in the faith, exhibiting transparency and genuine care.
- A young couple caring for their infant child with tender love and affection during the praise service; another example of God's love for us.
- The exuberance of a senior saint sharing how God's Word had ministered to her heart!
- Willing, faithful servants waiting until all were ready to depart so they could lock up and make sure things were secure.
That's beautiful!! That's the Church, the Bride of Christ! The redeemed, reconciled, adopted, justified, forgiven, freed, radiant Body of Christ in local form. WOW!!!
*Wednesday WOW is written to remind us, especially pastors, that our transcendent, omnipotent, loving, sovereign God is working today in our lives in thousands of ways. The WOW is God, not the size of the work! How have you seen Him at work in your life today?
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