September 23, 2016

God’s Vast Project

Hebrews 12:22-24

You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.

—  Hebrews 12:22

In October of 1997, Ron, Andy, Dick, Tim—all members of our small church—traveled with me to Washington, D.C., for a Christian men’s rally at the capitol. There 1.4 million Christian men prayed, sang, kneeled, stood, and listened to sermons.

I remember Ron, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, reclining on the grass, his face to the sun. He was happy. For the first time in his life Ron glimpsed the vast entity known in the Apostles’ Creed as “the communion of saints.” All he had to do was turn his head to see Christians spread across the Washington mall in every direction.

Prior to this, Ron’s Christian experience included just himself and a few people around him. Christianity must have seemed a small project. All he had ever known of God was the church of his childhood, where he got screamed at on Sundays—or had the Bible jammed into his chest. Or, later, with our little church, gatherings in odd rented facilities.

We tend to do our faith-thing with Jesus on small terms. You might even be thinking your sanctification is mainly about you. We often forget that this is the kingdom of God, and that each of us is a part of the body of Christ, that magnificent work of God by which he is reclaiming the world.

Where do you see God working today?

Lord, as you cleanse my soul, enlarge my vision. Help me to see you working in my life and in ­others’ lives. I cannot thank you enough! Amen.

About the author — Keith Mannes

Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.

Start your day with quick daily devotions.

See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!