Who is edifying the Christ’s church: we or Jesus?

[Leonardo Von]

Who is edifying the Christ’s church: we or Jesus?

This can seem a silly question. Nonetheless, many times, we are trying to do His work, occupy His place in the life of people:

•    “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock *I will build My church*, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mt 16.18).

We can see the fulfillment of this in Acts:

•    “raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2.47).

Jesus didn’t enjoin us to create strategies to enthrall the people and convince them to join in to His church (recall that who convinces of sin and of justice and of judgment is the Holy Spirit – John 16.8). He promised to do this by Himself, since we keep firm the cornerstone, that is, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the *LIVING* God (Matthew 16.16). Once He is alive, let’s give room to Him show Himself and confirm His word:

•    “And going out, they proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and *confirming the Word by miraculous signs following*. Amen.” (Mc 16.20).

Otherwise, we risk to invite wolves to join in to the flock. In this case, instead of feeding the lambs (John 21.15-17), we will wind up amusing goats. And the ending denouement is this:

•    “The roads of Zion mourn without any going to the appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests sigh; her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.” (Lamentations 1.4). 

So, before we think in doing something to Jesus, let’s see if what is in our mind is delightful to Him. It’s better to do it than labour in great error (Mark 12.27), offer sacrifice of fools (Ecclesiastes 5.1) and the worst: keep ourselves mistaken about our salvation (see Matthew 7.21-23; Luke 13.23-28; Matthew 25.11,12).

If you pine for being a blessing in the Christ’s church, behold the warning of the Creator:

•    “So says Jehovah of Hosts: If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My charge, then you shall also judge My house, and shall also keep My courts, and I will give you places to walk among these who stand by.” (Zc 3.7).

So, don’t think over doing to Jesus what isn’t for you to do. Just hear His voice and let Jesus work His salvation with fear and trembling in you and through you (Philippians 2.12,13) and have I splendid day.