We live in a very challenging times. Many are reasoning from what is good for them, and not for the good of the whole. We see that in the pandemic, we see that in the recent US elections, and this has divided the nation right down the middle.
However, Jesus heart is for UNITY and Purpose.
When Jesus prays for his disciples in John 17, he knew his mission on earth was coming to an end. Within 24 hours, Jesus will be arrested, persecuted, and later put to death on the cross.
John 17:20-21, He prays this prayer for his disciples, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also, for those who will believe in me through their message, 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.”
The strange truth is the world will believe that Jesus was sent by the father, if the church is united. That is why the enemy will do everything he can to bring disunity in our families, our church and our nation.
Verse 23, “I in them, and you in me. May the be brought to complete unity, to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God, but if you love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
God desires us to be united so that those who do not know him will know him when we are UNITED. Do you want your loved ones, your neighbours to know Christ. Is that the goal in your life? Is that your purpose?
UNITY will happen, because we are not caring for our own needs. We are thinking of others, like Jesus modeled for us.
The Holy God has an assignment for each of us to do here on earth. Do you think it is a privilege that God has called us to serve him in spite of us? He calls us to be part of His army on this earth to reflect and represent Him here on earth.
John 17:4, Jesus says to the Father, “I have brought you glory on earth, by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence, with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
We have been made for a purpose. Jesus knew his purpose, and he fulfilled his purpose.
Ask the Lord, what is your purpose here and are you glorifying Him by living out your purpose.
It all starts with UNITY, it starts with us, loving our family, our neighbors and others so that we can give people a visible and tangible picture of Jesus.