ENHANCEMENT OF GATHERINGS BY THE SISTERHOOD
N. T. Meek
John 12: 1–3; Revelation 21: 9
I think we all felt that the hymn sung at the commencement of this meeting (Hymn 56) immediately engaged us with the Lord and liberated our souls and spirits. I noticed that this hymn was written by a sister and my thoughts turned to how the presence and working of the sisterhood can enhance an occasion like this.
It must be easy for sisters, since they do not speak or teach in our gatherings, to accept a very passive role at these times. But in fact they, and we all, have the capacity by the Spirit to enhance any occasion of gathering, as Mary does in John 12. At that occasion the Lord was being provided for; they made Him a supper; all was well. But, above this, Mary brings in what is special. Her love for Christ, her treasured impression of Him, the substance she had acquired—represented in the ointment of pure nard—found release, and the occasion was greatly enhanced thereby. I ask, as coming to a meeting—Am I content to contribute only the minimum, or will I go further? In one sense my very presence at a gathering is pleasing to the Lord, but it is no more than He is entitled to expect; it is the least I can do. Will my love for Him provide more? Can I bring in some substance to enhance the occasion? Scripture speaks, in another connection, of a sister who, when asked for water, brought out milk and cream (see Judges 5: 25). I cite the reference only because the idea of her rising above the minimum requested is suggested in it.
Does my appreciation of the Lord Jesus rise above the regular expressions I am wont to use? Can I bring into an occasion what positively enhances it? Brothers and sisters alike have this opportunity and privilege, but I stress that the sisters, in silent contribution and presence, can peculiarly enrich an occasion. One has often felt that the presence of sisters, faithfully supporting the gathering, is a substantial asset in itself. But do I in my spirit and thoughts, and in the outgoing of affection, and involvement in what is proceeding, bring in this kind of enhancing element that invests the occasion with a special character? In John 12 the house was filled with the odour of the ointment following the service, apparently unspoken, of a sister.
Revelation 21: 9 gives us a description of the holy city in its millennial glory. It is the assembly administratively, and it is clear that the universe itself will be enhanced by its presence and working. The Lord, of course, will have His
own place but the assembly is spoken of as His fulness (Ephesians 1: 23) and will diffuse and display His glory. So how enhanced the whole scene will be through the presence and function of the assembly then. May we be learning now in view of that day how to release, by spirit or word, impressions that enhance the glory of Christ. Where this is known a peculiarly blessed atmosphere will develop which will rest on the spirits of all who are gathered and will linger in our hearts and minds even when the occasion is over.
Substance of word in meeting for ministry, Malvern
6 July 1982