Scriptures: John 17:20-21, 25-26 (ESV) – “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  “O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.  I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (bolded for emphasis).

Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV) – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’  And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen!  Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!  Amen.’”

Message: In John 17:21, Jesus prays that believers would be united, just as He and the Father are one.  When we are united in practicing God’s desire for His followers to experience unity with one another and with God, our actions show non-believers who Jesus is.  Globally, we are unified as brothers and sisters in Christ through Lent.  This is a great time to strive for that unity with other believers, as the global church comes together, centered around a holy theme.

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John depicts people from every tribe and tongue gathering around the throne of God (Revelation 7:9).  While I served in a mission’s organization, I had the privilege of working alongside my brothers and sisters from all areas of the world, including Germany, Vanuatu, Mexico, and Australia.  We worked together to serve our Mexican brothers and sisters in need of physical support.  Our unity was a testimony of the love of Christ in action.  Together, the body of Christ served others. 

As a Christian, you can be a unifier in the Church.  By following Jesus’ instruction to love others, you make a difference.  There is disunity among believers and spiritual warfare against unity in the Church.  How can you seek unity with your fellow believers?  Working together to serve others is one way we can demonstrate this encouragement to love and seek unity.  Praying for globally persecuted believers and the church is another way to bring unity. 

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus. We echo the words of Jesus, who prayed “that they [believers] may all be one.”  Lord, please bring unity to Your global church so that we show the world the truth of who Jesus is.  Make me a unifier, seeking unity among fellow Christians.  Amen.

Danielle Roberts