One in the Spirit

Scripture lessons:

Acts 16.16-34

Revelation 22.12-14, 16-17, 20-21

John 17.20-26

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Revelation 22.17 (New Revised Standard Version)

 

There is a hymn that begins with these words: “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.” Unfortunately, this celebration of unity does not reflect the reality of the church which, in America alone, has been splintered into 245 denominations.

Despite the brokenness of the church, Christian people possess a vision of being of one heart, even if they can not be of the same mind. This vision is contained in the words of Jesus, who prays to God, “May my disciples be one, as we are one.” In other words, Jesus is asking that those who follow in his name enjoy precisely the same equality of intimacy with God which he enjoyed. These words, uttered on our behalf, represent a challenge to us: are we utilizing this opportunity for a rich and intimate relationship with God, and do we encourage our sisters and brothers in the faith to do the same?

I have heard it said that while we can not know the mind of God, it is within our grasp to know the Creator’s heart. The will of that heart for us is life together. Called to live as ‘one people’ we are to exchange judgment for understanding, anger for compassion, and distance for friendship. A church united by such love is the church God needs us to be.

 

Prayer: O God of life, grant us the gift of community that we may live in unity even if we can not live in agreement; and grant us the gift of intimacy, that we might share our lives with you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~ by Rev. Dr. Edward Horstmann on July 9, 2007.