First UMC-San Marcos, TX
Posted by Hello
Our resident theologian at First United Methodist is a two year-old by the name of Jake. Jake and his parents attend our Monday night Alpha Course and were walking by our beautiful sanctuary (church building) and Jake was in awe staring at the massive structure. Jake's dad, Ralph said, "Son, that's the church." Little Jake without having to think about it said, "No, it's a building!"
The Bible speaks of the church when Jesus is talking with Peter. Jesus has just given Simon Peter the name "rock" and said that upon this rock, he would build "his church." You and I are the church. Remember the little song with hand motions? Putting your two hands just so, with the two pointer fingers upward we would sing, "This is the church, this is the steeple, open the doors, here are the people!" The people are who make up the church. In faithful obedience to Christ and Christ's teaching and a life that reflects Christ's love, we become the church.
One of the most telling passages about that comes when the disciples are brought before the religious council of their day and upon questioning them the council concluded, "These men have been in the presence of Jesus." Can that be said of you? That your life reflects a "presence with Jesus?"
Prayer: Thank you God for beautiful structures that house your church. But thank you more for the people who live as Your church. We pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
