Jesus Gathers!

What can we say about gathering? The full purpose of the gospel is revealed in the statement that Jesus made, namely, that he would turn back from the 99 sheep already in the fold to find and gather up the one sheep that had lost it's way. No other idea more fully, or more visually, describes the vocation to which we have been called. The fullness of G-d's righteousness is revealed in His love and that love is revealed in the Messiah, who came to gather His people to Him. This was in fulfillment of various statements by the prophets. He would set the standard of gathering. He would set the standard that had already been established in the architectural vision of the Heavens of G-d.

When you then go and read Paul speaking to the Corinthian church, what do you find? A man who is speaking of the same reality. He speaks of laying a good foundation, that of Jesus and him crucified. This is introduced in 1 Corinthians 3 after revealing to the Corinth believers that they have two problems plaguing them. First they tend toward celebrity worship and second they have patterns of carnality because they have jealousy and strife. These behaviors cause this church to be entirely self-focused and not aware of the high vocation of gathering people to the gospel. Paul challenges them with their understanding of the Spirit and does not let up for almost two whole letters.

Why is this? Why does Paul so radically defend the integrity of the Spirit of G-d? Because there is nothing greater. If Jesus teaches in John 16 that the Spirit will lead you into all truth, which is really captured in the Word of God, does not this mean that man should find his fullness in listening to the Spirit of G-d. If G-d says that He loves with the balance of Mercy and Justice, would not the Spirit lead us to do the same? All G-d's people would say amen to that to be sure. However, Paul calls the Corinthians carnal! Speaking the words in eloquence but incapable of maintaining unity and gathering the wounded and shackled and defending the body of Christ from the invasion of darkness for the sake of G-d's holiness.

Are you a gatherer? How does your speech impact people? Are you a busybody? Consumed with other people's business and assessing their decisions for the sake of protecting your own view of life? Or are you holding up Luke 9:23, "If you desire to be my disciples, deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me." You can discern a true disciple because they approach the cross through Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for they shall inherit the Kingdom of G-d". This group has lost their life in the flow of the Kingdom and the gathering of souls. They stay close to the Spirit and the leading and power of His demonstration. They bare fruit in keeping with righteousness and never lose sight of the Crucifixion of Jesus or the new life he brought in the resurrection.

Consider your paths. Endeavor to keep the unity of the Body in the bond of peace!

Shalom. Pastor Llave.