In the model of life and living that is the example of our "head and body", our body abides by and lives entirely at the will and the behest of our heads. As we all go about our daily lives, our body knows no other voice or exigency than that which proceeds from the edicts and WELLSPRING of the head. The body dwells and persists in effortless harmony and RELATIONSHIP with the head. The head and the body are an ecosystem of perfect and faultless synergy. And in the symmetry of that seamless pairing, they effectively become one (JOHN 17:21).

     In the exact same way and manner, this is precisely why we are called to be the "body of Christ". Because, as the body, we are to live in exactly that same effortless relationship with the Head. And as we do, so it will be that our lives, just like the Son before us, will be the expression and accomplishment of walking and living out the will of the Father, that we may PROVE the "good and the acceptable and perfect will” of the Father (ROMANS 12:2). And just as our own bodies listen to no other voice than that of our head, we are to listen to no other voice than the voice of the Shephard. "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" - JOHN 10:27.

     In the same way, this is partly why we are called to be the Bride of Christ. When a man and woman are married, the Word clearly states that they become one. One flesh. For is it not written, “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30)? This showcases the unity and the solidarity that becomes of those betrothed to Christ. We become one with His way, and His truth, and His life. "For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - MARK 10:7-9. And is it not written that no man nor angel shall separate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord what God has joined together with Christ (Romans 8:38-39)?

     And as "the body", when we become one with "the Head", we will walk and live in the resurrection life, and power, and wisdom of Jesus. "For if we have been united with him IN A DEATH LIKE HIS, we will certainly also be united with him IN A RESURRECTION LIFE LIKE HIS." - ROMANS 6:5. This newness of life comes first to those who first come to Jesus. It was Mary and Martha who were the first to see Jesus resurrected. And this is no coincidence. For it is those who are sold out to being one with MATTHEW 22:37-39 who will see the resurrection power of Jesus in their lives, here and now, sooner rather than later. It is those who are sold out to being one with the Head - which is to be an extension of and one with the will of the Father - who are sold out to loving God with all their heart and mind and strength (MARY) and to loving their neighbour as themselves (MARTHA) who will be of the first to see Jesus resurrected in their lives and in the lives of their neighbours.

     It is those who are enslaved to the COMMISSION of "communion with the Father", and enslaved to the COMPASSION of "community with man", who will see the risen Jesus in their lives. It is they who will discover, in this life, what it is to both walk and live in the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:25). It is they who will be not only hearers, but also doers (JAMES 1:22). It is they who will walk "in the way, and the truth, and the life" that is LIVING AUTHENTICALLY. Which is to FILL our love tank through relationship with the Father, and to then POUR OUT that love tank through loving our neighbour as ourselves. That is the CIRCLE OF LIFE AND LOVE that is the encapsulation of "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be the glory forever. Amen." - ROMANS 11:35.

     In this circle of life, Mary represents RELATIONSHIP or "Communion with the Father". Martha represents SERVICE or "Community with man" and Lazarus represents DYING TO SELF and COMING ALIVE TO CHRIST in this life (Romans 6:5). Mary and Martha have died to self in this life (Lazarus) that Christ should live by pouring out their lives as a living sacrifice upon the altar of love. This is the banner of the church or the bride of Christ. It is the confluence of "love is as love does". It is they who will be the true Body of Christ. It is they who first FILL their love tank through RELATIONSHIP with the Father, and who then POUR OUT their love tank through loving their neighbour as themselves.

     And as the body, they shall know the heart and mind of Christ. They shall know the fount and wellspring of LOVE, which be "the rivers of living water" that are the assembly and confluence of the seven-fold spirit of God, being "the mind of Christ the Head". (ISAIAH 11:1-2). "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." - JOHN 7:38.

     "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 CORINTHIANS 2:16.

     "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 TIMOTHY 1:17.