Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Unity is key. So key that God tells us that this is the place that life forever resides. I had never thought about it that significantly before hearing a sermon on it a few weeks ago. Francis Chan took it to another level last night via Youtube:
John 17:21
That all of them may be one,
Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.
May they also be in us
so that the world may believe
that you have sent me.
Jesus wants us to be one JUST AS He and God are one. Not just enough to get along on Sunday. Not just enough to hang out in a small group for six months. JUST AS Jesus and God are one. I need to confess here that I have never had that as a goal in any of my relationships with other Christians.
Jesus tells us that unity is needed SO THAT the world may believe. What?!?! My natural thinking is that a well thought out apologetics outline would help people believe. Maybe if I could perform a miracle some people would believe. What if we had a great band and professional athlete speak to people, that would get them to believe. Jesus doesn’t say that. He says that if we are united together and united with God, then the world will believe.
This gives me hope for the ministry of First Priority. Our bread and butter is uniting the local churches in an area to help students reach students in their school for Jesus Christ. The students do need to preach the gospel each month so those who do not know can hear. But, the thing that will get them there is the unity of believers!
It is counter cultural thinking, but it does make sense. Culture says to put on a show and gather a crowd. Culture is also divided in so many ways today. Let’s unite SO THAT the world may believe.
(See also Romans 14)
With hope,
Brad
