News from the North... Happy 4th of July!!!

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Greetings from the Still Warm and Sunny North!

Well, not quite true. We have clouds today (forecast says more sun tomorrow) but we’ve had nearly a month of sunshine and warm weather. Unusual for Juneau to say the least.  Actually, we’re glad to see the rain as long as it doesn’t overstay its welcome!

Progress in Pune
God is moving in Pune, you can feel it, sense it, see it. The desire for revival has taken root and started to sprout. There is a fresh, deep hunger for more of God and a willingness to pay any price for that “more.”  We saw this in the meetings and it was amplified while spending time with the leaders of several of the churches we ministered to. The hearts cry for “more” was clear and loud, heard in the willingness to
 risk, to deal with the messes that revival creates and the willingness to re-examine long cherished cultural and religious beliefs and practices. Please, Lord Jesus, let this grow to maturity and bear fruit.

Now, about the teaching on the Bride of Christ. The place to start is at the very beginning, Genesis 2:18-24, particularly the term helpmate or in some translations, helper comparable or suitable. In the Hebrew the term helper comparable is ayser neged. Ayzer is a term most often used in the Word in referring to God Himself being our helper, our rescuer, our protector. (Ps. 46:1, 115:9) Neged means, “part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbially, especially with preposition) over against or before. What is in front of, corresponding to (with preposition)” (Strong’s concordance) The general idea is of one beside, and able to stand face to face. By now you might be asking, “yeah, so what’s the point?” Well, there are two points I want to make here. The first is the unfortunate translation of helpmate. As a carpenter, when I hear “helpmate” I think of the “grunt”, the laborer that packs my wood, sweeps, gets the tools. Someone that I am “over” and whose job description is to do what I tell them to. A right understanding of ayzer neged  changes that perception. Now we see one that can come to our rescue, strong enough to walk beside, not behind.

Now let’s take a look at Ephesians 5:22-32. I don’t have the time or space to go in depth here, but Paul references Gen. 2 in speaking of marriage, specifically the relationship between the husband and wife. He then concludes with this.: “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:32.

Paul is speaking of us, of you and of me. The Church. He places us in the position of ayzer neged, the helper suitable, as the Bride of Christ. Now that is a “selah” moment.

Thanks again for all you do, your giving, your prayers and your support. Be blessed!

Yours for the Kingdom,

Mark and Julie




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