We live in a world in which the truth of the gospel has been rejected. Our contemporary culture promotes individualism, and people feel isolated and fragmented. God's chief evangelistic instrument is the church family, not the isolated individual believer. John 17 has been described as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer; following the pattern of the Jewish high priest, Jesus prays for himself, then for his colleagues, and finally for all God’s people.
Today’s passage teaches us to live in conformity with his will, and Jesus prays for our unity. There is nothing in the world like Christian unity. One of the greatest joys I have experienced as a believer is the unity I have with my brothers and sisters in Christ at my church. This type of unity is supernatural and brings tremendous joy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus asks for us to be unified. Are we living lives that are knitted together in love so the world would recognize Jesus in us? Do we cherish the church the way Christ and his people in the Bible do? When we live in unity, we often hear from reluctant people going to church, who testify to the love and sense of harmony in the atmosphere. They will often say, “How is it that these people in this church possess the things I lack?” It is our prayer and hope that when people come to church, they will experience everyone from many different paths coming together, revealing the glory of Jesus Christ.
Lord, so many forces are hostile to my faith. I am so grateful that you prayed for us as believers. Please remind my heart that you want us to be unified. I thank you that you live within the church, and nothing can overcome it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Throughout this day: listen to “If We Are the Body
” by Casting Crowns.
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