Page 14 - Living Light Spring 2024

Monday March 11 - Unity, not uniformity
“Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as
you have loved me.” John 17:23
Family dynamics are rarely easy or straightforward. There are squabbles, misunderstandings, different opinions and ways of doing things that can get in the way of peaceful, harmonious relationships. That’s as true of nuclear families as it is of extended ones, and we, the body of Christ, are one big extended family spanning nations and generations. The history of the church family, on both the local and global level, is unfortunately full of examples of family squabbles and schisms, leaving hurt and broken trust in their wake.
Thankfully though, that’s not the whole story. The history of the church also includes the witness of love and unity that was, is, and will continue to be an answer to the prayer of Jesus on his way to the cross.
I’ve been privileged to travel to other countries to spend time with fellow Christians, worshipping and praying together. The unity I experience with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures never ceases to amaze me. It calls to mind Psalm 133 that describes ‘how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity’, because it’s there that God gives his blessing.
Fortunately, unity is not the same as uniformity. We’re not required to all look and behave alike, but we are required to be faithful to the truth of God as revealed in Jesus. It’s then that we’re united with all those around the world who do the same.
Father God, please make us one, as you and our Lord Jesus are one. Amen.
Tuesday March 12 - Jesus longs for you
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am...”
John 17:24
I’m sure we’ve all had the experience, at some point in our lives, of desperately missing a much loved friend or family member. I know I have. At those times it felt that my heart was aching, and I was overwhelmed with the sorrow of missing their presence. It’s that sense of longing to be with a loved one that I get from this part of the prayer Jesus prayed for us.
Jesus wants us to be with him where he is! It’s as if in this moment, on his way to the cross and knowing that his mission on earth is almost completed, he looks ahead to his restored glory in heaven (Hebrews 12:2) and can’t wait until the day when all those who have called on his name will be together with him.
I’m aware that it can be easier for us to believe that Jesus longs for all his family to be together, than to believe it’s you personally who matters to him. But even in the midst of the ten thousand times ten thousand angels gathered around the throne in heaven (Revelation 5:11), Jesus knows each one personally; not one of us will be a faceless, nameless part of the crowd. If you find that hard to accept, spend time meditating on verses like Luke 12:6-7 and Psalm 139:13-16, and let his love soak into your heart.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your unending love for me. Help me to believe and receive it. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY