The Daily Guide
The word of exhortation
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church.
Ephesians 5:25-27 - NKJV
Holiness and cleansing comes from God. It's not in you. You can't work it up. It has to be received. God's Word cleanses you and the Spirit sanctifies you. Exhortation plays an important part in this. It is important that there is exhortation in the Church so that believers get in the place where Jesus by His Spirit and His Word can do that work.
The great day is coming when Jesus will return to gather His Church to Himself. Afterwards in Heaven the Marriage Feast of the Lamb will commence. At this marriage feast Jesus is the Bridegroom and the Church is His bride. Jesus gave Himself for His bride. This loving desire towards her continues. He continues to live for her and sees to it that there is a ministering for her of holiness and cleansing so she may be glorious when He comes to present her to Himself. Rejoice, therefore, that there are those in the Church who are able to minister the word of exhortation. Our pastors, for example, should be honoured for their willingness to seek the well-being of their church members by the means of exhortation. 1Thes.4:16-17, Rev.19:7-9, Heb.13:17.
Exhortation can touch a sensitive spot in us. If, and when, it does ask yourself, "Why am I sensitive in that area?" Request grace to receive the word of exhortation. Exhortation usually involves correction; a call to dispense with the less than best in order to take hold of God's best. Correction isn't easy to take but it is necessary. Accept it, be improved by it and it will give you a good reward. Heb.12:9-11.
Look forward to the marriage feast
Copyright © 2008 P.F. (Simon) Measures
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