I had a monumentally important meeting last Sunday with many Spirit filled leaders concerning The Jesus Alliance. I spoke extensively with one man who has been asked by Pope Francis to serve as his personal representative in seeking to find common ground among the body of believers to work together toward our common purpose as directed by the Bible.
I spoke privately with him and he shared with me that he was getting older now, (70), and had a real passion for writing and also for art, particularly in doing portraits. He has a beautiful place in Colorado and had it in his mind to retire to these things that he loves and finally be able to spend time with his lovely wife as he lives out the rest of his life doing those things he loves.
Instead he has been convicted by God that he should forget his blissful retirement strategy and instead travel all over the world meeting with various leaders trying to convince them that we can get more accomplished for the Lord by working together than if we strike off on our own as independents. It is difficult and often discouraging and hopping on planes and flying all over the world is not appealing to a man in his golden years.
I told my new friend I could relate. I was faced with the exact same mandate. I also love to write and paint, and also to hunt and fish and play the guitar, but I spend most all of my time and money trying to convince other Christians to work together as followers of Christ. I’m finding that so many around the world seem hell bent upon fighting this notion tooth and nail and seem downright mean spirited about it. They love their division and are willing to do practically anything to preserve it.
It seems a silly argument, because no one is suggesting that we all become Catholics, or Anglicans, or Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, or any of the other 43,000 some odd denominations. No one is advocating uniformity; we are merely advocating what Jesus advocated: “unity”.
Jesus prayed that we be as one in numerous places throughout the Bible, but nowhere is it more clearly spelled it out as it is in John 17:21 – I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
This mandate actually dates back to the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit first visited the very first church. As the Holy Spirit crackled His way through the church filling individuals with His Spirit with a mighty wind they began talking in tongues and everyone there could hear the identical message in their own language. Acts 2: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
I love the commentary of Matthew Henry on this chapter. He wrote in part:
“We cannot forget how often, while Jesus was with them there were arguments among the disciples concerning who should be the greatest; but now all these quarrels were at an end. They had prayed more together of late, if the Spirit is to be poured out upon us from on high, then let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, (as there were among those disciples), they prayed let us agree to love one another; FOR WHERE BRETHREN DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY, THERE THE LORD COMMANDS HIS BLESSING.
Hmmm . . . I put that point in all caps in order that we might all reflect upon it. The Lord commands His blessing when we all dwell together in unity. Time is running out in this world and soon enough God will return for His church. If we work together instead of independent of each other we will be far more efficient in reaching the lost for Christ while there is yet time.
So I suppose that getting this message out to the world is a tad bit more important than our plans of retirement, relaxation, and fun.
Phooey! It seems that there is to be no rest for the weary. As I thought about this I was led to read the prayer of Jesus when He faced what was ahead of Him.
Yikes! He didn’t exactly want to go through what he went through either.
Okay I get it, but Lord please if You don’t mind kindly send me my angel; I need strength to face what is ahead of me . . .
Luke 22:42
“Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him . . .
December 3, 2014 – Click here to listen