01 Jul The Church and the Greatest Promise of All… – Jul 11

 By: Anthony Pribudi

This is another powerful song by a powerhouse of contemporary Christian artists: Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and co. It is a ‘modern-hymn’ which is deeply rooted in biblical truths, in which the lyrics are so ‘Christocentric’ or Christ-centred. The song particularly positions us more as the Church, the bride of Christ, rather than individuals. Notice how the song identifies Christ as the precious cornerstone, sure foundation , and the faithful companion, the promise of God Himself (Isaiah 28:16) for the church, His King, empty-handed, with one voice, as a bride who is longing for her bridegroom, declaring that He, not wealth nor health nor any treasures of the world, is ‘ALL to us’, is very propelling. It is a profound longing of the bride’s heart for the glorious bridegroom, Jesus.

To be able to make a statement that Christ is all to us is never an easy thing. It is more than a verbal confession. it is a deep cry of one’s heart. One that has been wounded and tested. One who has come to Christ is the only joy and satisfaction in life. One who truly sings this song would say “take away the world, but give me Jesus.” King David, the worshipper, understands this when he said: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26. This is the heart of Christian worship.

However, it is so liberating to know that He is the ultimate purpose for everything. “For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things…” Romans 11:36. By this understanding, the essence of life has become so clear. As the chorus of the song goes, the church exist for one cause alone, the glory of His name. His righteousness becomes a holy flame that burns all our imperfections. And his saving love becomes the measure of our words and actions. Finally, as the last verse of the song says it all, the ultimate goal of our lives as His church, is “..to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” Ephesians 5:27. Until the day we see our bridegroom face to face, none offered by this passing world can cure this longing. Christ, our bridegroom, the greatest promise of all, is all to us.