Life on the Vine: O HAPPY DAY!!!

I have attempted to have "The Hallelujah Chorus" serenading readers in the background so that the full effect of my joy might be better conveyed. No such luck, so you will have to hum jubilantly to yourself as you read this! I hope, for the sake of your spouse (or dog), that you are not tone deaf...

I am one VERY HAPPY woman in that I was able to visit my church today for the first time since February 3rd. That might not seem like a long time to you, but it is a VERY LONG time to me! It's a month, for Pete's sake! That's enough to push me to the brink of total insanity! Some would argue that I'm already there as it is...

I have been amazed that some have offered to pick me up from my place of recuperation in order that I might enjoy such a day as this one. It is a long drive, especially in snowy weather.

One such brave soul determined to press on yesterday amidst the flurries, ice and insanity that are so familiar to our Detroit freeways. I honestly did not expect her to do this for me, but she did! Her bravery allowed me to catch up with FAMILY, enjoy the message presented by my pastor (IN PERSON) and spend time getting to know some new family members.

I often run across people who do not know the true meaning of the word "church". Most would describe a church as a building or architectural structure used for worship, religious activities or spiritual rejuvenation. However, we, as Christ's followers, are described as being church; as ONE in the sense that we are His body; we collectively embrace Him and His sacrifice for us with the purpose of working together as Kingdom builders.
Romans 7:4
"So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God."
We actually BELONG. We have a place of purpose that is eternal. We have a Father for the orphaned, siblings for "only" children, support for widows; the list goes on. We have been raised from death and brought into life in order that we might each, individually function as part of one whole; inspiring change; making each other stronger than before thus glorifying Christ! There is such theology packed into this one tiny verse. This is a statement, that is God-inspired, God-breathed telling me that I can no longer be my own island because I belong to others! At the same time, I have a great responsibility to bear fruit so that I don't spoil the other apples, so to speak. That's a tall order, but not an impossible one.
Romans 12:4-5
"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
There is no greater gift then that of a strong sense of belonging; a place to call home. I cannot be all that Christ wants me to be by myself. We as believers cannot and were not made to thrive alone! We would whither away and die without companionship. When Jesus died for me, He brought me home.

John Donne, a 16th century author and believer, wrote, "All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." (Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII). We each are ONE chapter, of ONE book, composed by ONE Author. Christ's blood has made us ONE. As one candle is snuffed out, a torch burns all the brighter in its stead. We have the privilege of continuing the legacy of the One Who died for us.

Knowing that I can go home to those who will work with me to further His kingdom, holding me accountable, helping me to be all that He wants me to be, continuing His legacy, is truly a remarkable gift. Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

I love this: "as you see the Day approaching." CHRIST IS COMING! We often have the mindset that this is a long way off; that He will not return in our lifetime. The truth is this: "But of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but My Father only," Matthew 24:36. It could happen tonight in my sleep. Only the Father knows. How much time do I waste missing the big picture? We need to be IN the body, not OF it! There are plenty of bench warmers and pew peddlers, but not nearly enough grapes! Today was a strong reminder of the importance of being with the people of God. My longing was satisfied and the emptiness was filled!

Everything in life goes back to the cross. A remarkable lady will be crashing in her bed at home this evening from her busy weekend of chauffering; her display of love for me simply because her eyes are on the cross...continuing His legacy...