November 25, Jesus’ Priority

Today’s reading: Psalms 121-125

“For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity” - Psalm 122:9.

Jesus gave His life not only to save souls, but also to place those souls in a Church that He is building. The Apostle Paul realized this truth, and gave his adult life to found, structure, and nurture churches throughout the Roman Empire, not considering his work a success until he saw a church with elders where he had preached. A few of Paul’s letters were to individuals like Timothy and Titus, but the majority of his letters were filled with instructions for the church that were to be read in their assemblies. If Jesus and Paul gave His life to establish the Church, it was obviously His top priority, and you would do well to make it your top priority as well. Jesus told Peter,

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19).

Are you doing what you can to assist Christ in building His church? Do you give to your church? Do you contribute your spiritual gifts to help edify and build up your church? Do you know and love the people there? What more can you do?