Returning to chapter 12 and looking with understanding at Paul's construction of this section on Spirituals, the observer may discover a testimony to the truth of the foregoing. The few introductory verses draw our attention to the Headship of Christ. In order to be a living body, everybody must have a head, even as every head, to be a living head, must have a body; the two are as interdependent as they are indivisible. They comprise one whole and share one life. As it is so surprisingly yet matter-of-factly said in verse 21, 'the head cannot say to the feet, I have no need of you', even though the Head is Jesus.
Although this is a most unexpected remark in this connection, it is also most obviously true and sane. How can any person's head go where it wishes except it has a body, or how can the head move the body from one place to another except it has feet with which to do so? It is no remarkable thing then that in the next verse our attention is drawn to necessities. When we assimilate the fact that this is our Head speaking of His dependence upon us, surprise gives way to awe. He is plainly telling us about our necessity to Him, and if this be so with Him, how much more should we feel our dependence upon Him? The body cannot say to the Head, 'I have no need of Thee'.
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G.W. North (1913 - 2003)
G. W. North was born in London England in 1913. As a young man he became aware that the Lord was calling him into the work of the ministry. At timely stages the Lord placed folk in his path who were able to direct him into the truth of heart purity and a more expansive understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He held pastorates in Kent and Bradford. By the late 1960s, following a significant period of ministry in Liverpool, he began a more itinerant ministry. This led him to many parts of the world, and occupied him until well into his eighties. His powerful preaching and the unique sense of the Lord's presence, which seemed to brood over his meetings, were always intensely challenging.The true secret of his remarkable ministry stemmed from his personal communion with the Lord Jesus. To him, 'entering the holiest' was not merely a theological concept; it was a distinct spiritual reality - and the central feature of his spiritual life. It was here, in the place of worship, that his revelatory ministry found its source. He preached from understanding and conviction. He was never the echo of another, nor did he take on board the ebb and flow of various contemporary emphases. He was not a man of 'books'; he soaked himself in Scripture and allowed it to saturate his heart and mind. Truly, this is a man who has lifted up a standard for the people. Mr North went to be with the Lord on 29th April 2003, shortly after his ninetieth birthday.