Jesus’ Prayer; All for Unity
By Kayode Emmanuel
Devotional Reading: “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11, 22 NIV
Unity is a great force needed to achieve outstanding success. A saying goes thus, “if you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go farther, go in groups.” Over time, this has been proven to be true, even from scriptures there are numerous examples. The tower of Babel is a good example of what unity could do to anyone and a community at large (Gen.11:1-9). The early church also exemplified practical example of what unity could do among believers (Acts 4:32-37).
In the Lord’s Prayer which we have been considering for couple of days, Jesus mentioned the need for unity at three different times. This brings to our notice and with no excuse not to pursue oneness. God protects us with an intention that we all should be one. Thus, exemplifying the union of God the father, son and Holy Spirit to the world (verse 11). This also will in turn enable the world to know that Christ is sent by God (verse 21). And above all, the investment (glory) of God in the lives of believers is to help unite us all together (verse 22).
Therefore, God says to you this day, “you may be of different language, culture, upbringing and even different interpretation or understanding of scripture, you are still of the same Father; one Lord, one faith and one baptism.” God has given the church gift of men, and it is so we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. As we grow into that, do not be an agent of disunity in the body of Christ.
Prayer and Confession
I am one with God, I have his spirit in me, and I’m called into a glorious future. Together with fellow believers, we have God as our father.
Further Reading: Eph. 4:1-13, Gen.11:1-9, Acts 4:32-37
