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The
unity that Jesus prayed for to the Father.
The
topic of unity
is
on our hearts. The Father has impressed this
topic
of ‘unity’ on us, and given us the privilege of working at it with Him.
We
began putting it into practice by organizing a ‘Day of Unity’.
We
long to make unity a reality.
On
the Day of Unity, June 14, we shared this verse:
“I
do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will
believe
in Me through their word; that they all may be
one,
as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also
my
be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent
Me.
And the glory which You gave Me I have given them,
that
they may be one just as We are one. I in them, and
You
in Me; that hey may be made perfect in one, and that
the
world may know that You have sent Me, and have
loved
them as You have loved Me. (John
17:20-23).
This
section comes from what is known as the High Priestly prayer.
It
was Jesus’ prayer about unity, two hours before He was arrested and
taken by the Jewish council.
He
knew what was awaiting Him. It is written several times in the Bible that
Jesus went up to pray, but never was a whole prayer as this one ever
recorded.
Jesus
did not pray this prayer alone, John and the other disciples
were there, so that we too can know the words of this prayer. This
is a very precious prayer, words we should cherish.
When
you realize how much Jesus longed for unity amongst the
flock,
it really touches your heart. He knew there would be division.
Even
though we all have the same Bible (yes, translations are
different
and words can be interpreted differently)
Jesus
knew that living in unity would be a great challenge for us.
He
knew denominations would spring up, though that never was
not
His intention.
You
can read about it in Paul’s letters to the various city
Churches
in the first century of Christianity. And you can read it in the
letters
to the first churches in the Book of Revelation.
There
were several places, houses and parks where people joined
together
In worship in one city.
Paul’s
letters circulated in these cities.
If
a letter were to be delivered from heaven to a city today, would
that
letter be read by each church? One church might not want one of the
other
churches to read it, or perhaps recommend that another church should read
it because it needed to heed the rebuke in it.
Could
a church be excluded from reading it because it was not a member
of
the Union of Churches (umbrella organization)
Or
perhaps out of revenge, would members deliberately leave their own church
to join that one?
The
church of today suffers an ‘image’ problem. Not many new
members
are added, while others leave. Many churches are dying a silent
death.
Why?
Because people haven’t esteemed others higher than
themselves.
Or
internal and external fights have caused division. Or pride has
entered
and people think they are better than everybody else. It is all sin!
Unity
is not achieved at a board meeting amongst leaders, board
members
and elders.
Unity
begins with a desire in your heart. Despite obvious
differences,
is there a genuine desire to be one in spirit with others?
Unity
is
looking
to WHO binds us together: Jesus Christ.
Unity
is not focusing on the things that make us different. Each person
expresses themselves differently.
The
Lord has impressed this unity on our hearts.
One
church may sense its purpose is to evangelize or to provide
counseling
for drug addicts. Is it possible to be one with them?
Absolutely!
We
are meant to complement each other, to encourage, to
support,
to pray for and to build each other up, in unity, to establish one
Kingdom!
The
Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He is the King of kings and the Lord of
lords.
Men’s
opinions are worthless! The Father’s will needs to be done.
When
there is sin, or where mistakes are made, these need to be
corrected
in
love.
God’s
unfailing agape love will reign.
This
is the only way the world will see that Jesus died on the cross
For
Every person.
Then
the world will understand why Jesus came to
aerth.
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