United in ChristНамуна

The Lord’s Prayer

Division is the culture of today. Racial, religious, gender, political, and generational differences can no longer be discussed with civility and respect. Ridicule and disdain are the platforms for debating opposing opinions, and too often hatred resulting in violence is the preferred method of finding a solution. Yet there is a diverse group of Christian leaders declaring that the world is on an ever-faster journey toward unity. And we are not just declaring it; we are deeply convinced that this is the future. 

Why are we so convinced that things will turn out for the better, that unity is possible? The answer lies in the seventeenth chapter of John’s Gospel. This chapter is known as the testament and final prayer of Jesus. In it, He prays to the Father that His disciples will be one. The crystallization of Jesus’ prayer for unity is the only solution for the Church’s diminishing effect in a world that is relationally broken at its core. 

The basis of Jesus’ message is found in His actions that follow this prayer—they are expressions of His love. Those who are part of the John 17 Movement are part of a much larger movement of the Spirit that desires to live out John chapter 17. 

A close study of John chapter 17, and the entire New Testament, reveals that the outcome of love is unity. The last night of Jesus’ life on earth has one clear overriding theme: God’s love for us and His desire that we love one another as He loves us. 

Reflect

When we pray, we often ask God that His will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. If God’s will is that we love each other, and yet we certainly find it difficult to accomplish, how can we learn to love in this way? Where do we find the motivation? Where or in whom do we find the answer to this problem?

Consider

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul tells us that Christ loved us when we were His enemies. God made peace with us through Jesus. It was His initiative to come to earth to die for our sin, taking our place at the cross. We did not deserve it, yet, because He is love, He decided to love us sacrificially. We received God’s love by grace; let us love in the same way. The pursuit of that expression of love will produce the unity for which Jesus prayed. Jesus is the answer and the way.

Prayer

Beloved Father, as I read today’s Scripture, I pray that your Holy Spirit will open my eyes and show me how much you loved me even when I was your enemy.