Tag: John 17:22-23
Day 4–The Community of Unity
Scripture reading for March 26: Psalm 133:1,3 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! . . .For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
John 17:22-23“The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are One, I in them, and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and that I loved them even as You loved Me.”
For anyone that has worked on a team, the importance of unity is undisputable. Working together in harmony and sharing common goals and valuing the other team members makes work enjoyable. Good teamwork is developed by skilled leadership and willing followers. Unity is maintained by allowing God’s Spirit to flow to each member of the team through example of the leadership and humility of each member.
The psalmist who wrote Psalm 133 was describing the pleasure and goodness of the Israelite people when they worked and worshipped together in unity with each other and with God. If you read this whole psalm, it is interesting that unity starts with the precious anointing oil poured on head of the high priest, Aaron. This psalm teaches that the anointing of God’s Spirit starts with leaders who have been called and appointed by God. These leaders then stand firm and the anointing flows down from the head and even drips off the priestly garment. It is also likened to dew that settles on the thirsty ground and brings refreshing.
It is when brothers and sisters are in unity that God commands the blessing of His presence and anointing. Jesus gathered His disciples for the last time and prayed over them for the unity that comes from allowing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Jesus modeled this oneness and prayed us into it. From it, the world knows the Father’s love revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God, I can only say ‘Amen’ to Jesus’ prayer for our unity with You and Him. Forgive me for disrupting that unity when I focus on myself and my flesh. As I work with teams of responders, help me to maintain the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3) Amen.