MUSINGS

NOURISHING AND CHERISHING We received an impression in a reading as to the blessedness of Christ’s service to the assembly described in Ephesians 5: 29—He “nourishes and cherishes it”. The richest

experience of this cherishing is as we are restfully in the embrace of Christ’s love at the Supper “His left hand is under my head, And his right hand doth embrace me”. Song of Solomon 2: 6. At the same time we are nourished as we receive fresh impressions of the glory and grace of His Person.

This association of nourishing and cherishing gives a rich sense of the setting in which we receive the ministry that proceeds constantly from Christ for our nourishment. As it comes, whatever the occasion, we are conscious of being tenderly cherished by Him. The two things are simultaneous; as He nourishes us by a fresh ministration of food and enlightenment. He is embracing His assembly, the object of His love. This is the setting in which ministry is most effective.

FCM