For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body so it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Paul describes a comical scene of body parts disparaging each other, in order to make a point that Christ’s followers need one another. And just as the body has no life in itself, the body of Christ and its functions are empowered by the Holy Spirit. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Likewise, “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Picture the church with Christ as the head, the Father as the heart, and the Holy Spirit as the blood flowing throughout the body. Just as the body has no power without the head, heart, and blood neither does the church have any power without first yielding to the Holy Trinity.
Jesus describes it this way, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). It is important to yield your gifts, talents, and resources to the Lord and rely on His power to flow through you to reach others.
As you intercede for the United States, pray for the church to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to provide solutions to this country’s many problems. Continue to pray for the citizens and government officials to turn to the Lord and rely on His power and wisdom.
Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 15:1-14
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
