One Lord’s Prayer for One People

Today's Text: John 17:20-23

Key Verse: John 17:21 (ESV): “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that y

ou have sent me.”

My few days training with the 63rd was coming toward a close, and I'll miss many beautiful people and the comradeship, togetherness and oneness shared. And, as I began to think about the beauty of our unity in diversity, despite ranks, files, nationality, color or creed, what strucked me is the harmony of a symphony orchestra. Have you seen those? Especially with their diverse instruments and musicians, yet creating a beautiful harmony when playing together. Aren't we, as believers, called to such unity that reflect the seamless communion that exists within the Godhead? Or do we think that our unity is just a nice humanitarian idea? I think not. Rather, looking at this passage, I believe our unity is both Christ's desire as well as a powerful witness to the world about the love of Christ. It's about demonstrating God's love through our oneness.

In today's text, Jesus prayed for all His followers to be united without prejudice to their backgrounds or differences. All of us who genuinely love Him must strive for this oneness. It is by so doing that we demonstrate God's love. When I was in the Seminary, and during my time at Travis Avenue Baptist Church of Fort Worth Texas, I was a part of orchestras in which conductors guide a complex combination of instrumentalists to create beautiful music. In like manner, our pursuit of unity can guide others to see and believe in God's love. Unfortunately, pride, self-centeredness, and division are robbing our generation of this blessing.

Brothers and sisters, can we love like Jesus? Can these walls of partition go down? I believe, yes! But I also believe that fir us to achieve such unity as desired and prayed for by Jesus, we all must humble ourselves like Jesus. We must be willing to lay aside personal agendas like he laid down His God-ship to become an ordinary man. It is possible if our desire becomes such that strives to love and serve one another with kindness and compassion, just as Jesus taught us. It is achievable if and when more of us prioritize unity and show compassion. By this, we shall begin to have a more profound impact on others' lives.

Action Steps: Be intentional about looking for opportunities to foster unity wherever you are among believers. This could be as simple as seeking common ground or actively listening to different perspectives. When interacting with other believers, strive to show empathy and compassion, recognizing that we are all part of the same body in Christ. Pray for unity among believers. Ask God to help us reflect His oneness and to remove any barriers that cause division.

Quote for the Day: "Our unity is not in our uniformity, but in the harmony of our diversity by which we produce the same melody of God's love." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the privilege of being part of Your body. Help us to grasp the depth of Jesus’ prayer for unity. Give us the humility and willingness to pursue oneness with our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that the world may truly believe in You – in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this daily journey of faith. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and Ephesians 4:3.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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