The Church is Christ with Skin On

Today's Battle Drill Devotional: The Church is Christ with Skin On

 

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (John 1:14 MSG)

 

The mission statement of The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland is, Love God, Love Others. That’s the essence of the life of a Christian. The best way to prioritise that is to intentionally follow the example of Jesus. This week we remind ourselves how to focus on loving well.

 

Read John 1:1-18. John sets out the amazing truth that our God, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of the universe intentionally decided to limit himself in time and space and in a human body. That God chose to take on human flesh is shocking.

 

Shocking but necessary. How could we truly relate to a God who is intangible? We needed a God with skin on. That’s why God took on human skin and flesh. He invaded our planet and it changed everything – forever! God showed his love for us by fully entering our world, physically and emotionally.

 

People still need “skin” today. They are desperate to be loved, to be touched, to be heard. They need someone who will enter their world and care for them. Jesus has returned to his Father. So where can people turn to God with skin on? The answer is his Church – you and me. Through the Body of Christ in whom God dwells, people can find God can still be seen, touched, heard, and tasted. The Holy Spirit dwells within each one of us and we can love, touch, listen to and love those around us.

 

THINK IT OVER

Who needs you to be “skin” for them today?