Paul's aim in preaching and teaching, in praying and pastoring, is to see the likeness of the Messiah displayed not simply in individuals but within and among churches ('Christ' is often used to indicate the corporate nature of the church). But 'displayed' doesn't do justice to what he writes: formation is his goal; being shaped and fashioned into the life and character of the Saviour, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is not for nothing that he uses in this verse the metaphor of childbirth, the forming of a life in the womb and its being brought into the world. Formation is a long process, whether it's gestation or the processes we see in the natural world - rocks smoothed and shaped by the incessant pressure of the waves and rivers; landscapes sculpted by the weather over long ages.
That we're thinking about a lengthy process means we're forced to contend with the need for patience and perseverance, for arduous toil, in all weathers and, often, against the tides. It's good to be realistic and clear-eyed about what is involved.
You see that in Paul's ongoing prayer and labours; you see it in Epaphras wrestling in prayer for his brothers and sisters in Colossae. And, supremely, we see it in the Lord Jesus Christ, praying in the hours before the cross, praying for his disciples and for those who would come to believe in him, praying that we would be formed into a unity that reflects the inner life of God himself - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Formation is no easy work but it is deeply worthy. The life of God in the warp and woof of the souls of men and women. Originally made in his image but deformed by sin's ugliness, that marred image is now being renewed, the deep flaws being healed, cleansed by the washing with water through the gospel word.
Christ is being formed in us - and among us - as his people. To willingly submit to his shaping of our souls and to partner with him in working out his salvation in our lives is a high calling. It takes time; much time. It will take the wisdom and power of God, of the crucified and risen Lord.
Formation is no easy work but it is deeply worthy. The life of God in the warp and woof of the souls of men and women. Originally made in his image but deformed by sin's ugliness, that marred image is now being renewed, the deep flaws being healed, cleansed by the washing with water through the gospel word.
Christ is being formed in us - and among us - as his people. To willingly submit to his shaping of our souls and to partner with him in working out his salvation in our lives is a high calling. It takes time; much time. It will take the wisdom and power of God, of the crucified and risen Lord.
Without doubt all formation involves pain and struggle. But one day it will be completed and the final unveiling of his people, his bride, will bring him endless delight and eternal glory. "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them" - fully formed and radiant in his all-consuming love.
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I thirst, Thou wounded Lamb of God,
To wash me in Thy cleansing blood;
To dwell within Thy wounds; then pain
Is sweet, and life or death is gain.
Take my poor heart, and let it be
For ever closed to all but Thee!
Seal Thou my breast, and let me wear
That pledge of love for ever there.
How blest are they who still abide
Close sheltered in Thy bleeding side;
Who life and strength from thence derive,
And by Thee move, and in Thee live!
What are our works but sin and death,
Till Thou Thy quickening Spirit breathe?
Thou giv'st the power Thy grace to move;
O wondrous grace! O boundless love!
How can it be, Thou heavenly King,
That Thou shouldst us to glory bring;
Make slaves the partners of Thy throne,
Decked with a never-fading crown?
Hence our hearts melt, our eyes o'erflow;
Our words are lost; nor will we know,
Nor will we think of aught beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Ah, Lord, enlarge our scanty thought,
To know the wonders Thou hast wrought;
Unloose our stammering tongues, to tell
Thy love immense, unsearchable.
First-born of many brethren Thou!
To Thee, lo! all our souls we bow;
To Thee our hearts and hands we give:
Thine may we die, Thine may we live!
(Nicolaus Ludwig von Zizendorf, 1700-60;
Johann Nitschmann, 1712-83;
Anna Nitschmann, 1715-60;
tr. John Wesley, 1703-91)
