- Our Real Need

Some Christians say they need a great cathedral if they are to properly worship—or a mighty organ or artistic, stained-glass windows. Do not be concerned about those outward symbols. Just be sure you have gladly welcomed into your midst the One whose eyes are like a flame of fire, the One from whose mouth proceeds a double-edged sword—the Word of God.
Some time ago I was invited to visit and preach in a smaller church in Toronto. I found a group of dear people—a humble, ethnic assembly. Many of them could not speak good, standard English. But their faith and joy in knowing Christ warmed my heart. After the service, they called for a prayer meeting, and I want to tell you that it was an experience I will never forget! No matter the size of the assembly or its other attributes, our Lord wants it to be known by His presence in the midst. I would rather have His presence in the church than anything else in all the wide world.

Hearing the proud manner in which some speak of the high dollar cost of their sanctuaries, must lead people to suppose that spirituality can be purchased. But the secret of true spiritual worship is to discern and know the presence of the living Christ in our midst.
One further thought: John turned and saw “someone ‘like a son of man’ “ in the midst of the churches. John did not see a spirit. He saw a Man—a glorified Man, the Son of man, our Lord Jesus Christ, clad in a priestly garment and wearing the golden sash of royalty. He was not a spirit, not an angel, not a cherubim. He was a real Man—a priest with royal insignia, bringing to mind again the designation of the eternal Son as Prophet, Priest and King. He stands in the midst of the churches. Does that not explain much about the life and faithfulness of Christian churches? Many have their difficulties. Many have known the path of backsliding. Satan brings his pressures to bear on weaknesses in the church. If it were not for the presence of our Lord and Savior in the midst, there would be no church! God’s presence is the only reason for its existence.
In John’s portrayal, the Son of man had feet like bronze, glowing as if in a fire. This is the language and symbolism of judgment, and our Lord is to be Judge. The church that accepts no judgment is not the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. It cannot be Christ’s church if our risen and glorified Lord is not the center of all its interests.