I hope you enjoyed Chris' entry yesterday. We really do need to focus on our #1 relationship because all other relationships will be determined as a result. He also made a very exciting announcement! Woo hoo! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of human love that is fully centered on you. If you haven't already gathered, this is Michele writing for you on this beautiful fall evening! We are moving forward in John 17 and will be focusing on verses 6-19. Read it more than once and really take in what God wants to get across to you. This is what jumps out at me:
Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name, now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. (v. 11)
Do you realize what Jesus is saying here? He wants us to be united with each other in the same manner that he is united with the Father. "You have given me your name." They are the same person, united as one. Jesus knew that his physical presence would be gone soon. He realized how hard it would be for us to be united with other imperfect human beings.
My mind is filled with situations in which our human race is not united.....at all. War. Terrorism. Sexual abuse. Rape. Riots. Gang violence. Divisions in the church. Stagnant marriages. Divorce. All of these examples do not describe what Jesus desires for us. He was well aware of what we will come up against and wants us to join together as believers in this sin-filled world.
And.........we don't have to take all this on alone. We have the power of the Father's name to protect us. Jesus asked for the Father to help unite us because he knows we can't do it on our own. We need the support and encouragement of other believers to help us see our way at times. If we are Christians we will someday be able to go be with the Father too. But, for now, we have work to do here! Ask the Father to give you a passion for unity with other believers so that we can make a change in this world for Christ!
Please share your thoughts with us! Unity and growth begin as we share our insights with each other. Sharing the blog on your facebook page is also a great way to encourage others!
As divided as our world is, when believers of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, status, whether republican or democrat, national or alien, wealthy or just barely scraping by, from a different denomination or no denomination, whether Cowboys fans or Redskins fans (what am I saying???)are united in our love for each other and the mission we are on together, the world can't help but sit up and wonder. Anything powerful enough to draw people together that are that different is undeniably true and life-changing. Thanks, Michele!
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