The Dual Church

I can imagine, with the knowledge that angels are sent to us, God’s children, what it must look like when two of these spirit beings come into contact.  When a brother or sister in Christ meets another, there is joy in the spirit in the meeting.  What must the joy be for the angels who also meet one another.  Do they pass messages along to each other – I just came from seeing our most magnificent Lord and He wanted me to pass along the message that He Loves You.  And that meeting, hopefully one joyful with this small exchange – can it not be imagined magnified in the body of believers?  Just imagine, walking through the doors of your local church and imagine an angel with each follower of Christ there.  If we could only hear the hymns being sung, the prayers being prayed with this duality being visible – how we might view the worship differently.  Sitting in the pew this Sunday, I will endeavor to imagine the dual church. 

How small is that glory when compared to knowing that our Heavenly Father is with us every moment.  Imagine sitting in His presence, worshipping Him, learning, seeking, talking, listening, and being in the presence of love.  The reality is that we live in a Mary and Martha conflicted world.  These two sisters, Mary and Martha, were typical sisters, they had things in common, they had differences, they argued, they got on each others nerves; they worked together on common goals.  Linked as family, each was her own person.  Now imagine that God, the form of the son showed up at their house.  Jesus seemed to like this family, and there he was one day – visiting.  Martha looks around the house and mentally tabulates the to-dos that need done.  Wash, cook, clean, serve, prepare – first this, then that.  Next steps to follow followed by the other things which come after.  Clean up after the mess, fold laundry, sweep the floor, and make sure your guests feel welcomed.  Preparing for guests often can leave the hostess or host wondering where the evening went, as it flurries by in a flood of preparation.  Tending to the needs of others in this way is admirable; it makes an impact on others when they feel welcomed and cared for.  Then there was Mary, Mary who didn’t jump in, but who went and sat at the feet of Jesus, soaking up his words.  What a moment of pure joy that must have been for her as she gathered the folds of her robe around her, tucking her feet under her.  Did she hold her breath, holding herself so still so that  someone else might not send her away – send her to help Martha.

I’m having some Mary time right now.  I hope you can put aside some time as well to draw nearer to God.