Of Rabbits and Lions

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” First Peter 2:9.

Wow! Chosen. Royal. Holy.

But, really? Us?

Though God must think we’re a sight for sore eyes, aren’t we as Christ’s Church sometimes a funny-looking bunch? I don’t mean that we can’t get all dressed up and looking dapper from time to time, but I mean that we’re always an interesting assortment of every imaginable – and even few unimaginable – personalities, temperaments, and preferences!

But you and I are the Church. Living proof that our Creator has a wonderful sense of humor. I don’t understand why God chose the Church to be His hands and feet and voice on Planet Earth, but I’m sure glad He did. Warts and all, I’m so grateful to be a part of Christ’s body. Are you?

Charles Spurgeon more than once preached on the safety of every Christian believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll never forget a quote from one of Pastor Spurgeon’s sermons, where “the prince of preachers” was describing Noah, his family, and all the animals held safely in God’s Ark (both literally and figuratively): “All, blessed be God, were safe in the ark, no ruin entered there. From the huge elephant down to the tiny mouse all were safe. The timid hare was equally secure with the courageous lion, the helpless cony as safe as the laborious ox. All are safe in Jesus.”

Isn’t that a great thought? Regardless of all of our distinctive personalities, temperaments, and preferences, we are one. One in Christ Jesus! He is the glue that holds us together. Christ is our identity, our life, and our joy. You and I are immeasurably blessed in Him.

Are you the elephant (political preferences aside), with a strong and sometimes intimidating presence? Secure. Always steady under pressure.

Are you the mouse who tends to run for hiding when things get a little frightening?

Are you the hare? Not longing for much of the spotlight, and preferring your fair share of anonymity.

Are you the lion? So sure of who you are that you’re willing to take bold risks. (Risks that would scare the stuffing out of the rest of us.)

Do you feel like the tiny creature who’s been through so many trials that you feel like there’s no strength left?

Or do you feel more like the storms of life have made you wiser, and even stronger?

Truth is, we’re all in it together. And we all need each other. Whoever you are, God has made you – and is still making you – a very special you. “All, blessed be God, were safe in the ark.” You are the apple of our Savior’s eye.

And, if I might put in my two cents, I also think you’re more than terrific.

 

Pastor Charles