31 Days of UnitySample

(Re)new: It is easy to understand why, in the ancient world, kings, queens, and emperors were worshiped as gods. For one person to have power over the lives of thousands if not millions of people is mind-boggling. The emperor speaks and people die, people live, wars are fought, fortunes rise, and fortunes collapse. What other explanation could there be for one person to have such power? The everyday lives of those under such power feel as distant from their ruler as they do from the heavens themselves.

Thus is the central mystery of Jesus, the King above all other kings, who is present and at work in our lives. Our King is not distant and unknowable. Colossians 1 offers an incredible description of King Jesus: firstborn over all creation, all things created in and through him, ruler over all powers and authorities, reconciling all things, and the fullness of God dwelling in human form! Whatever image of power we have, be it of the earthly rulers of today or another time in history, they pale in comparison to the power and glory of Jesus.

As we seek renewal as the church, we return to the mystery of King Jesus and seek this power that goes beyond our imaginations. We turn to the one through whom we are created and all our lives hold together. We turn to the God who was pleased to “reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:20) The good news we need for renewal is that God is already at work reconciling the church, all we have to do is surrender to and participate in this work.

Our divisions seem so large. Our pain is so deep. The church is filled with brothers and sisters who now live as enemies. And yet, Christ is Lord over this division. Christ is bigger and more powerful than all our divisions, all our pain, all of our suffering…. even all of our hatred and anger. Christ is Lord over all!

We who were once the enemies of God are now the children of God. We are reconciled to God through the body of Christ and so now we must find a way to be reconciled to one another as the body of Christ. God did not allow distance or alienation to prevent us from being reconciled with our creator. Are we ready to live in this power of God and to seek healing for the church?

After you read the passage, ask yourself these questions:

• What are the biggest barriers to healing in the church?
• What power do you most need from the Lord Jesus in order to love those you are separated from by division and anger?
• How are the rulers and powers of this world dividing the church and distracting us from the Lordship of Jesus?
• Where is God calling you to be a reconciler in the church?

Our Prayer for (Re)newal

Create in us clean hearts, O God, that we may learn to be your people, and live in unity with one another. Give us the gift of humility, and strengthen us to live in sacrificial love for one another. May we glorify you by being peacemakers in a world of division. Amen