Recent blogs driven by the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Scriptures led us to examining the condition of America in light of the Cycle. Today, the stories of David, Jonathan, and Ahimelech challenge us to look at our commitment to the perfect unity Jesus prayed for.
Please read these four chapters right now and watch for the following characteristics of unity among the children of Abraham:
As children of Abraham and brides of Christ in an age of persecution, immigration, and terrorism, are we truly willing to do what it takes in the name of perfect unity with all children of Abraham who know God is love, not violence and death?
Or is perfect unity simply impossible this side of heaven?
Before we decide, we should understand we may be calling Jesus wrong, so let’s be careful.
In John 17, Jesus had completed his ministry and was marching to his death on our behalf after having exhibited every one of the attributes listed above, first applied by David, Jonathan, and Ahimelech. He prayed for all of us who would believe in him to come to perfect unity, and I believe he meant in this world, not in the next.
Please read these four chapters right now and watch for the following characteristics of unity among the children of Abraham:
- Be on the lookout for ways to help victims of injustice (19:2)
- Serve as a third-party advisor for someone who feels unsafe (19:3)
- Argue someone’s case for innocence to someone in authority whom you know (19:4)
- Stay close to those who need help, in good times as well as bad (19:7)
- Be willing to meet with someone who needs help and provide shelter (20:1)
- Offer strong words of support (20:4)
- Make a covenant in the name of the Lord (20:8)
- Keep the role of the Lord in front and visible during the entire relationship (20:12)
- Offer continuous blessing on someone in need (20:13)
- Remember that positions can reverse and you may be the one in need (20:14)
- A covenant may be with an individual or an entire people group (20:16)
- Repeat your vows of cooperation frequently to each other (20:17, 23)
- Understand you may be asked to sacrifice for helping someone (20:31)
- Be passionate about a victim’s pain and suffering (20:34)
- Take the mission personally , be in solidarity (22:23)
As children of Abraham and brides of Christ in an age of persecution, immigration, and terrorism, are we truly willing to do what it takes in the name of perfect unity with all children of Abraham who know God is love, not violence and death?
Or is perfect unity simply impossible this side of heaven?
Before we decide, we should understand we may be calling Jesus wrong, so let’s be careful.
In John 17, Jesus had completed his ministry and was marching to his death on our behalf after having exhibited every one of the attributes listed above, first applied by David, Jonathan, and Ahimelech. He prayed for all of us who would believe in him to come to perfect unity, and I believe he meant in this world, not in the next.
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