It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade. —Mark 4:31-32, NKJV
Throughout the last two millennia, all the powers of hell have been unable to eliminate the gospel or the church. It has only continued to grow. The church in its survival and growth is living out the prophetic word. Its very presence is a continuing witness to prophecies fulfilled. The church is also a prophetic witness in its mission. Just as the apostles were in the early days, the church today is the witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the bride of Christ, all that the church does in order to make herself ready—gathering together, worshiping, celebrating Communion, witnessing, preaching the gospel, casting out demons, healing the sick, being peacemakers—is a prophetic trumpet to the world of the relationship of Christ to His church and of the fact that Christ is coming again. The next time you are sitting in a church service, remember that even though we are almost two thousand years removed from the first-century church, the very fact that you are gathering with others in His name is both a prophetic fulfillment and a prophetic statement to the world.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Jesus, what an incredible privilege it is to gather with Your people and prepare together to become Your bride. May our worship, preaching, witnessing, and works of spiritual service show an unsaved world Your love and draw them into a relationship with You.
The church’s primary task has always been
to preserve and proclaim the good news
of His death, resurrection, and His
coming again to judge the world.
