“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:20-23)
That we may be one in Him. . . Oh beloved, pause here just a moment and allow that concept to invade senses.
Are you feeling it . . . one, together, in Him, our Savior and King? Today, at least, it seems the church worldwide, but most certainly in America, is in tension with the prayer and desire of Jesus.
First of all, He does not desire that we would be one in our own devises. He does not want that we would be in agreement with our opinions, thoughts, or plans. The oneness of which He speaks has as a foundation of success from His prior Word to us in John 15. These words are not simply a flat slab of concrete to build a single story structure on; they are deeply driven pilings to build a life worthy of His Bride.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:1-8)
By abiding in Him and His Word abiding in us we, each believer, loses our total identity; our total selves and agendas, dying to self to live for Him. One in Him; unity! Unity in Him, King Jesus!
In unity, we can be gathered, even while apart; we can encourage, we can pray, we can hug and touch a life as deeply with words of love and care though we are not there. Beloved, we have not forsaken (discarded) being assembled together as long as we have love that touches one another though through distance.
Beloved Church, we must determine to hear only His directing voice as we purposely abide in Him and initiate His Word to dwell deeply in our hearts. One in Him begins in each of us abiding in Him and then recognizing and appreciating the Holy Spirit Who dwells in each one of us. Where the Holy Spirit’s presence is becomes Holy Ground. We must approach other believers in humility and grace because of the Spirit; one in Him, unity.
Pray On!
