CHAPTER 5 The Framework of the Body-the Skeleton

(Continued from p. 24.)

2. – the spine. We come next to the spine or vertebral column, a complex and intricate framework, amazingly adapted to its varied purposes. The vertebrates form the highest class of the animal creation, set apart from the other classes by this distinguishing and essential feature. It is fitting therefore that man, the head of the creation, should be specially characterized by this feature. So manifest is this distinction that in the language of ordinary life we speak of "backbone" as indicating a strong will, the individuality that marks a person who answers to his manhood. Spiritually this is abundantly evident also.

Perhaps it will be best to speak first of some of the manifest purposes of this portion of the skeleton. First, we see it as designed for the support of the skull. In order that the head may have its place of supremacy and elevation above all the rest of the body, it must be given this place in an unmistakable way. The spinal column prevents the head from being a minor part of the body; its elevation is necessary because of this.

And when we speak of Him who is the Head over all things to the Church, there can be no question of His supremacy. The very framework of the Church, its varied and co-related parts, require, necessitate, the recognition of Christ as Head. The entire testimony of the Church-"the pillar and ground of the truth"-στλoς, the column-is to uphold this great "mystery of godliness" (1 Tim. 3:15,16). "As the Church is subject- πoτάσσεται is subordinated to-unto Christ." It does not say should be, but is, by its very constitution, subordinated to Him.

What a thought, that to the Church is entrusted the confession and the manifestation of the Headship of her Saviour and Lord. How everything must give place to Him – "That in all things He might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). The immediate context shows that this preeminence is directly connected with His headship of the Body, the Church. The vertebrate structure of the Church then is not designed to assert itself, or to display its beauties, but to exalt Christ. Alas, when we think of so much being exalted rather than the Lord; when outward show, numerical strength, activity of worldly methods-anything is put before Him, we need to remember that the great object of the Church's existence is being lost sight of-she is degraded and has become akin to the molluscous life about her, which has no such privilege.

"The head of every man is Christ" (1 Cor. 11:3). As He is Head of His Body, so He is Head of every individual-of the man as head of the family, and of each person in relation to the Lord. Here too the function of the spine is evident. Each of us individually, as the Church as a whole, exists for the purpose of exalting Christ. Here we have the key to all Christian life. In what measure does it serve to exhibit the perfection of Christ our Lord? Is this our object in life? Or do lower, selfish motives operate? If so, then we are already "bowed down," are failing in the very purpose for which we have been formed anew. How different it was with Paul-"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed (bowed down), but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Therefore, whether corporately or individually, in what measure we fail to exalt the Lord as Head, in that measure we are degraded to the level of invertebrate life.

We note also that the head of the body answers to the mind, the highest part of man, and to the spirit, the chief part of his person-"Spirit, soul and body" (1 Thess. 5:25). As partakers of a new life, our whole being has passed into another relationship-it is all for the Lord, and even the lower, the material, part is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and our bodies are the members of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15,19). We may therefore think of the spine typically as the instrument for giving the mind and the spirit of the new man the rightful place of supremacy in our individual persons. To be controlled by the body, would be to be subject to its natural appetites and passions; to be subject to the soul, the affections and desires, would still have us as natural men; but when the spirit, the mind and conscience are in their rightful place, we answer to the purpose of our original and our new creation. Alas, that so many of us fail to give preeminence to the higher part of our being. We can thus test our lives, and see whether we are living in some measure as we have been "created in Christ Jesus" to live. We need hardly add that to live in this way is to exalt Christ; and so this thought blends with what we had been looking at before.

But the purpose of the spine is not merely to serve as a pillar to hold up the head. It is also a hard and impervious channel to protect the spinal cord, which is enclosed throughout its length by this bony protection. It must suffice us here to say that the spinal cord is the highly organized channel of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It is the medium by which impressions are carried to and impulses brought from the brain. A body with the spinal cord paralyzed would be lifeless. Hence the necessity for having the best of protection for this line of communication.

We may in that sense liken the functions of the spinal cord to the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is the channel of communication from the Lord the Head to the members of His Body. Similarly, the Spirit is the power of the new man, by whose presence he is kept in the activity of his new life. In both cases that holy presence has been safeguarded and protected. The Spirit is not linked with us in a superficial way, but in the center of our spiritual structure. His presence is thus limited only by the life which has been imparted to us-eternal life. Thus while, alas, we may "grieve" or "quench" the Spirit, we cannot drive Him from us. What has just been said applies also to the entire nervous system, but this must suffice here. The main avenue of nerve life is protected by the bony sheath of the spinal column.

Next, we may say the spine serves, along with the twenty-four ribs joined to its twelve dorsal vertebrae, and the sternum or breast-bone, to form the thorax or second great enclosure of the body. The skull encloses the brain; the thorax, or trunk, encloses the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other vital organs. It is not so impregnable as the skull, but hides from view, and normally from external interference, the vital processes of respiration, circulation, nutrition and elimination. We must not anticipate what will require much detailed examination; but will merely note here that the spine has a most essential place in maintaining this cavity.

Spiritually, the larger part of the activities of the new man, those which relate to his health and moral well-being, are carried on under the shelter of that structure which, as we have seen, exists to uphold the spirit, and to exalt Christ. An erect spine is necessary to a normal thorax. So is it in the things of the spiritual life.

Lastly, we may speak of the spine as the bridge or framework which links the upper and lower parts of the body. There could be no true skeleton without it. The human body would be indeed a heap of disjecta membra without it.

We come next to speak of the structure of the spine. It is a column built up of twenty-six separate bones. The last two, the sacral and coccygeal, are in youth composed of five and four vertebrae respectively; but in the adult these are one each, leaving but twenty-four to form the main part of the column. These are called the "true vertebrae," and of these we will speak first. The column as a whole is not a rigid pillar, but being formed of these various parts, "fitly joined together," is capable of considerable motion in a variety of ways. It can be bent and twisted, thus adapting itself to the many adjustments needed in different attitudes of the body.

Between each of the vertebrae is a disk of fibro-cartilage, which serves not only to unite all, but as a cushion to prevent undue shock or jar. They are also united by the articular processes or joints, one on each side, and by broad ligaments connecting the transverse processes on either side. The spinous process in the back also serves as a brace for the muscles connected with it.

If we look at the spinal column from the side, we will see that it is not straight, but forms four curves. These are called after the parts which form them, the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and sacral. The first, or cervical, is a backward or convex curve; the next, the dorsal or thoracic, is bent forward, affording space for the vital organs it protects; the third, or lumbar, bends backwards like the cervical, and the sacral is similar to the dorsal and for similar reasons.

We have thus a column whose curves insure further elasticity. All is beautifully adapted to its general and special functions. As has already been said, the posture of the cervical vertebrae in supporting the head, practically insures the erect position for the whole body.

But we must seek to glean a little of the spiritual meaning from those various features. In the composite structure we see again, as throughout the entire Body, that it is not one member but many. There is not one backbone for the whole Body. Not even a single apostle served for this. "When James, Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars" (Gal. 2:9)-στλoι, the same word as in 1 Timothy 3:15. Every apostle had his appropriate place linked with and sharing with others the responsibilities devolved upon all. How essential therefore that all these "foundation" men (Eph. 2:20) should be in entire accord. What havoc it would have wrought if "James, Cephas and John" had failed to be in alignment with the great apostle of the Gentiles. No wonder that Paul "withstood him to the face." And later on, how beautiful it is to hear Peter speak of "our beloved brother Paul" (2 Pet. 3:15); and John declaring, "He that knoweth God heareth us," the apostles (1 John 4:6).

And yet each apostle has his own individuality which no one else can assume. The various vertebrae have their appointed places, and all are bound together by "joints and bands," the ligaments and articulations. What is true of the apostles is true of every member of the body.

Looking at the curves of the spine, we see the same beautiful adaptation to the combined strength and elasticity of the whole. Here, as we have already suggested, the cervical or vertebrae of the neck have the prominent place. The next, or dorsal vertebrae, are concave, furnishing increased room for the vital organs. Fittingly they curve or bend over these. But the upper vertebrae must not thus bend, or the posture of the head would be affected. It will not do that we should be primarily occupied even with the vital processes of our spiritual life. Self-occupation, even in the things of God, is not wholesome, and this twofold reaction from it, in the cervical and lumbar curves, emphasizes this.*

*Space will not permit a further examination of this most interesting and profitable subject. We trust enough has been said to encourage the student to look into more minute details, and be rewarded by fresh illustrations of the precious truth of God. Any good book on Anatomy and Physiology will furnish the material, and a sober, reverent examination of the Scriptures will supply the key.*

(To be continued, D. V.)