Ephesians 1:23
“which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
This is interesting that Paul describes the church as the fullness of him. It doesn't seem like it. The church disappoints people and seems like it could do better. That's because it consists of fallible people. Just like we make mistakes, yet we, as believers are full of God's Spirit.
If the church is the fullness of Jesus, that tells us of His priority. God is working in and through it. Yes that little building when the people are gathered. Jesus said that when two are more are gathered in His name, He is there in their midst, (Matthew 18:20). That is certainly Sunday morning and whatever day they meet.
The church is also when two or more are gathered outside of the church. It could be them gathered for lunch or at break for five or so minutes. Those times are important to God, so they should be important to us also.
We should be praying for those times. Pray that He would use those for blessing and the nurturing and spreading of His kingdom. He will answer that. The results are often invisible as there is slight movement in people's hearts.
We would be shocked of all He does. Colossians tells us that "by Him all things are held together". This speaks of creation. He made all the laws of science and keeps them going. That includes each of our heartbeats.
Jesus also helps our relationships and interactions. He protects us and uses us. As we yield to Him He uses us to bless others and bring them to Him. What a privlege. This is one of the functions of the church, to be His hands and feet.
We should give thanks for all He does. "Rather it is written, 'eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, nor has heart imagined all of the things God has prepared for those who love Him.'" The heights we've been to and the ones we will reach are simply amazing. We should praise Him. For what He's done and for what He will do.
We should praise Him even before the blessings. That's faith. We know that He will do it. Somehow faith puts into place more of God's work. This is also exciting. We know He will take care of us, yet we're not sure how or when. We can thankfully rest knowing He's got it.
You seek out those to join Your church. You equip us and train us and make us feel at home. Then You teach us to lead others to join. You heal and equip them as well.
Lord, thank You how the church is the fullness of You. We've been called to join, blessed us and help us to bring others to join. Thank You.