God can take what is seemingly weak, foolish, and despised and make it into something marvelous. The end of it will be anchored in its humble beginnings, giving it even greater strength.

So it was with Jesus, beginning as a baby in a manger, finding wisdom as he grew, taking on the work of a carpenter, entering into ministry, and giving his life, thereby obtaining greatness. So it is with those who become Christians.

They begin guilty and broken and cry out for mercy and grace. Jesus lifts them up and covers their sin with his blood.

They become followers and sometimes servants, making sacrifices, launching out in ministries, serving the church, and spreading the gospel. For those looking on, the decisions and actions taken seem counter-intuitive, but for those who grow in grace, there is an upward pathway to glory.

Reaching the end, they are still humble. They need not take upon themselves entanglements with broken and divided denominations, but being just Christians, they seek out nondenominational fellowship, and preserve the unity of the body of Christ.

Others caged by the strictures of denominational churches struggle to free themselves and join in the unity of the Spirit. The result is a magnificent united world-wide church that can prepare actively to meet our coming Lord.

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