Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:55:20 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 2); BP: Jn. 17; RBTTY: Rom. 6; Ps. 60-62
August 2 “Evidences of His Glory”
“And now, O Father, glorify Me with Your own self with the glory I had with
You before the world was. . .And the glory which You gave Me I have given
them—that they may be one, even as we are one.”
John 17:5, 22
When we’re one with Him, we also yearn for that in our other
relationships.
Unity.
How do you define this word? Togetherness? Dwelling in harmony?
Everyone “on the same page”? Being of one mind and heart? An absence of
problems and strife?
Kind of difficult to answer, isn’t it?
Maybe we ought to rephrase that and say “It’s kind of difficult to
experience”—for we’re far more experienced in “trench/turf warfare” and
feeble attempts at “conflict resolution” than we are “dwelling in unity.”
Why is that?
Hmmm. . .there’s not enough space here to answer that, is there? No,
not hardly. But, suffice it to say it’s primarily because of sinful pride
and carnality (i.e., “acting in the flesh” or “saying and doing what comes
‘naturally’”). Paul’s boiling down part of the problems in the Corinthian
church in I Cor. 3:3-4 is but one example of this.
Is it any wonder, then, that we’re so “divided” on everything anymore?
No, it’s no wonder—for we’ve operated under a “I’m my own authority” for a
long time. . . “sowing to the wind”. . .and now “reaping the whirlwind”
(Hos. 8:7). That’s why we have a divided nation. . .divided families. .
.divided churches, etc. You can’t experience unity when “it’s every man for
himself.”
We should not be surprised that today’s Manna is taken out of the
second-longest exposition by Jesus during His early ministry—the first being
His Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:1-7:27). In that initial instruction He was
laying down the ground-rules for Kingdom Life; in this section (Jn.
14:1-17:26) He’s preparing them for His departure and how to continue the
work that He has started.
Should we be surprised, then, that He concluded these powerful words
with an intimate prayer to His Father, allowing them to eavesdrop on this
special time with Him? Not at all—for He was not praying for their
instruction; instead, He was praying for their “inspiration” so they’d catch
a glimpse of the type relationship with the Heavenly Father that was also
possible for them (and us).
How wonderful to read that God’s glory is visibly seen when there’s a
“communion-union.” Jesus’ entire time here on earth was devoted to
revealing the Father and the deep intimacy He shared with Him. Oh, dear
Pilgrim, shouldn’t the same be true today? Isn’t it time we spend more time
focusing on our “oneness in Christ” instead of haggling over theological
issues that won’t matter in eternity? May the Holy Spirit help us even now
to lay aside pettiness differences. . .an unforgiving spirit and a bitter
root. . .fault-finding eyes. . .by repenting and crying, “Help us, O Lord,
to be one—even as You are One.”
_________________________________________________________________
http://liveearth.msn.com
No comments:
Post a Comment