Let Them Be One! By Major Frank Materu
----Main Scripture:
"That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
----Introduction
In His final moments before His departure, Jesus prayed earnestly for His followers—not only for those present but for all believers who would come after them. He prayed for unity, a unity that transcends time and place, a unity rooted in the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Oneness that Jesus prayed for is not merely the absence of conflict, but a profound, divine unity—a reflection of the unity within the Trinity itself. This Oneness is the heart of God's desire for His people and for the world, and it is the key to the Church's ability to fulfill its mission on earth.
----The Oneness of God and the Call for Believers' Unity
God, in His essence, is One. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons, yet they are united as one in purpose, power, and love. This divine unity is the model for the unity He desires among His people. As believers, we are called to reflect this Oneness in our relationships with one another, bound together by the love of God. "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us..." (John 17:21).
This unity is not merely about geographical proximity or shared physical space. It is about a spiritual connection—a recognition of one another as part of God's Love Family, regardless of denominational or cultural differences. It is a unity built upon a common love for Jesus Christ and a shared commitment to His mission in the world.
----The Prayer of Jesus for Unity Among Believers
When Jesus prayed for unity, He prayed for all who would believe in Him—not just those in His immediate circle but future generations of believers. "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word." (John 17:20). Jesus' prayer was not limited by time or place. His desire for unity was and is for all believers, a call to be one in heart and mind, united in love for the Savior.
In His prayer, Jesus emphasized that unity among His followers would be a testimony to the world. The love and unity that believers share serve as a powerful witness to the reality of God's presence in their lives. It is through this unity that the world will know that Jesus is the sent One from God. "That they all may be one... that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21).
----The Example of Paul and the Call to Faithful Service
The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, became a great advocate for unity and a faithful messenger of the gospel. His life exemplifies the power of transformation that comes through obedience to God's call. After his conversion, Paul set aside his own desires and ambitions to serve God's purposes, even in the face of danger and hardship. He understood the importance of unity among believers and worked tirelessly to spread the gospel, reaching out to the Gentiles with the message of salvation.
Paul's life is a testament to the radical change that occurs when a person surrenders to God's will. He understood the cost of discipleship and was willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ. Just as Jesus laid down His life for the world, Paul gave his life in service to God's Kingdom. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21).
----The Fall and the Restoration of Unity
In the beginning, God's creation was in perfect harmony. Adam and Eve were placed in a garden where they lived in perfect communion with God and with each other. But sin entered the world through their disobedience, and with it came disharmony, division, and separation. The consequences of their sin have echoed throughout history, disrupting the peace that God originally intended for humanity.
Yet, despite the fall, God's plan for restoration was always in motion. He sent His Son, Jesus, to restore what was lost and to bring unity back to humanity. Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are reconciled to God and to one another. "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14). Jesus' death and resurrection have made it possible for believers to live in unity, not only with God but with one another, as part of the family of God.
----The Importance of Unity in the Church Today
In the world today, division is rampant—both in the Church and in society. Yet, the prayer of Jesus remains unchanged: that His followers would be one. The church must recognize the importance of unity in fulfilling God's mission on earth. We are called to reflect the love of Christ to the world, and the unity of the Church is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.
The forces of division, pride, and selfish ambition can easily creep in, but believers must remain vigilant, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to maintain unity in the body of Christ. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3). True unity is not about uniformity but about love, mutual respect, and shared commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Summary
The desire for unity among believers is central to God's plan for the world. Jesus' prayer for Oneness was not limited to His immediate followers but extends to all who believe in Him. As believers, we are called to live in unity, reflecting the divine unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's mission on earth and is a testimony to the world of God's love and power. Just as Jesus laid down His life for the world, we are called to live sacrificially for the sake of God's Kingdom and to promote unity within the body of Christ.
----Conclusion
As we seek to live in unity with one another, we must remember that true unity comes from the Holy Spirit. It is only through submission to God's will and obedience to His Word that we can experience the Oneness that Jesus prayed for. Let us strive to be one in heart and mind, united in love for Christ and committed to His mission. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
----Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of unity in Christ. Help us to live in harmony with one another, reflecting the divine Oneness that exists between You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to promote peace and unity within the Church and to be faithful witnesses of Your love to the world. We commit ourselves to Your will and Your Kingdom, praying that we may be one as You are One. In Jesus' name, Amen.
