2 Chronicles 28-29 John 17

“I have given these people the glory that you gave me so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me.” (John 17:22-23 NCV)

John 17 is the final time of prayer that Jesus spent with His disciples. As you read this prayer one message becomes clear: Jesus wants His disciples to have the same unity with God the Father that He has had. He also wants us to be in unity with each other. Jesus wanted us to be united so much that He gave us His glory: His magnificence, His renown, His honor. His goal was that we would be one in the same way that He and the Father were one.

Sadly, we misunderstand the idea of unity. We confuse it with uniformity and decide that if someone doesn’t do things the way we do, or believe exactly the same way way we do, that they aren’t real followers of Jesus. The church, instead of embracing the unity of purpose that comes from the love of God, has seized on our differences and splintered over issues that aren’t eternally important. Good teams aren’t based on every member doing the same thing, but on every member doing their own job. A wide receiver running a route for a long pass play is just as important for the success of a running play as the guard blocking at the line. The key to success for Christians is that we’re obedient to God’s call on our lives and that we love each other, including those brothers and sisters who might believe a bit differently, with the love of God. Our goal, our mission from Jesus Himself is to make disciples. Let’s work together in the unity that comes from the love and grace of God to make disciple.

Lord, I pray what Jesus prayed: that we would be one just as the Son and the Father are one. Forgive me where I’ve been divisive in my relationships with my brothers and sisters. Remind me of Your call on my life and the purpose You’ve given to all of Your people.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved