"Pervading"

"One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all. - Ephesians 4:6 (AMP )                                                  

Recently, my wife and I were able to enjoy a wonderful time of renewal and refreshing at the Ministry Team Retreat, sponsored by the Virginia District Church of the Nazarene.  Dr. Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada Regional Director for the Church of the Nazarene, and the featured speaker, reminded  us that we are to be "purveyors of the presence of  Christ."  We were also reminded that we were to point others to the Christ that "is present, although absent."  In other words, the components of our worship together should magnify a Christ that has come to visit with a people seeking after him.  It was a powerful reminder that everything we do is run through the filter of "God in Christ, reconciling a world unto himself."

As I have been studying the book of Ephesians, I have found great encouragement through its words.  Through its pages, a marvelous portrait of the Church emerges in breathtaking beauty.  In Ephesians 4, a call to unity (v. 3) is given as one of the ways God fulfills his purpose for the Church. In verse 6, we see that there is only one God who is "over all, and through all, and in all" (NIV).  Unity is so much easier to achieve when focused in one direction.  One body, one Spirit, one hope (v.4), one Lord, one faith, one baptism (v. 5), and one God.  Sounds pretty clear, does it not?  Yet, too often, many seem to be running after agendas, programs, plans, numbers, goals, etc.  The problem, then, is no one is on the same page.  "Me" becomes the primary focus, not "Him."

So, "pervading." The Amplified Bible picks this word up for the word "through", or "dia" in Greek.  While the word may denote movement, extent of time, or "by means of", the message here involves God's "pervading immanence".  To put it another way, God is not detached from his creation.  He is not just a spectator watching from the wings.  Pain and suffering often obscure his presence and action.  Job wondered openly about his plight, and complained to God (Job 29-31).  Jesus, in all of his humanity, wonders aloud why his Father had abandoned him (Matthew 27:46).  Thinking God is far off or that he does not care is sometimes easy to do.  Forgetting him is easier than that.

But, God is not far off.  He is actively involved in his creation.  He is moving it according to His plan and purpose and this assures that life has meaning and makes life worthwhile.  Job was answered out of the whirlwind; Jesus was answered on Easter morning.  God is present.  He is with you and me, comforting, healing, and redeeming.  We are not left hopeless.  By being "through all, " I can encounter God through many avenues.  My Bible, the communion table, a friend, a stranger, creation, an artist, or a servant of God can speak the presence of God into my life.

How does our view of worship change, if we were to believe God is present and active?  Should not our times together reflect the importance of that?  What would our ministries look like?  Should they not reflect the hands of God reaching out?  Speaking for me, I want to be a "purveyor of his presence."  I would hope my words, actions, and attitudes would point someone to his redemptive work in the world.  Think on these words by Brian Doerksen

He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same