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Thoughts in Worship 9.8.2016
Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 8, 2016
Audio Link:
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11).
None of us can thrive on earth without the support of others. This almost goes without saying, but oftentimes we try. There are those who will sit and suffer beneath a financial burden before they ask their closest loved-ones for help, for fear of embarrassment. There are some who will see marriages of family members on the verge of disaster, but will not intercede for them or offer wise counsel. Others will struggle with health concerns and keep it a secret under the guise of not wanting others to worry. This sort of fragmented, phony independence has destroyed families and people groups for centuries. We need one another in order to survive. The wise man said, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).
In this light, Jesus prayed for unity among His people. He asked the Father to make us one, in the same way they are unified. This is an amazing request considering its foundation. Jesus and the Father were one from eternity. They are one in truth. They are one in the purpose of giving life to the downtrodden. They are one in all things holy. Can you imagine what kind of world this would be if we would embrace this principle?
I want my life to be an answer to Jesus’ prayer. I want to be of service. I want to be part of a bigger support system for those in the faith. I want us all to be a portrait of love and mutual respect that welcomes lost people to the One who can help them. Jesus’ prayer was more than some idealistic concept. We actually caught a glimpse of His prayer being answered in the early church. The Bible says, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” (Acts 2:42–44).
This prayer for unity among believers, in context of our pursuit of victory, makes me think of being a safe place for those who are tempted. The devil likes to isolate us while he buffets us. We need to be available and submitted to God at all times. I mean, there are times in our lives when we may be fearful of the consequences for doing right, and we need someone to pray for us and encourage us to trust God. There are times when we are tempted to choose partners who are not sanctified by the Word of God, and we need a loved-one to encourage us to wait on the Lord. We may need a non-judgmental confidant to just cry with, who will not only cry, but laugh in praise to God when He brings victory. Only a unified body of believers can be this kind of blessing to one another, and do our part to lead others to Christ.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)
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Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 8, 2016
Audio Link:
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11).
None of us can thrive on earth without the support of others. This almost goes without saying, but oftentimes we try. There are those who will sit and suffer beneath a financial burden before they ask their closest loved-ones for help, for fear of embarrassment. There are some who will see marriages of family members on the verge of disaster, but will not intercede for them or offer wise counsel. Others will struggle with health concerns and keep it a secret under the guise of not wanting others to worry. This sort of fragmented, phony independence has destroyed families and people groups for centuries. We need one another in order to survive. The wise man said, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).
In this light, Jesus prayed for unity among His people. He asked the Father to make us one, in the same way they are unified. This is an amazing request considering its foundation. Jesus and the Father were one from eternity. They are one in truth. They are one in the purpose of giving life to the downtrodden. They are one in all things holy. Can you imagine what kind of world this would be if we would embrace this principle?
I want my life to be an answer to Jesus’ prayer. I want to be of service. I want to be part of a bigger support system for those in the faith. I want us all to be a portrait of love and mutual respect that welcomes lost people to the One who can help them. Jesus’ prayer was more than some idealistic concept. We actually caught a glimpse of His prayer being answered in the early church. The Bible says, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” (Acts 2:42–44).
This prayer for unity among believers, in context of our pursuit of victory, makes me think of being a safe place for those who are tempted. The devil likes to isolate us while he buffets us. We need to be available and submitted to God at all times. I mean, there are times in our lives when we may be fearful of the consequences for doing right, and we need someone to pray for us and encourage us to trust God. There are times when we are tempted to choose partners who are not sanctified by the Word of God, and we need a loved-one to encourage us to wait on the Lord. We may need a non-judgmental confidant to just cry with, who will not only cry, but laugh in praise to God when He brings victory. Only a unified body of believers can be this kind of blessing to one another, and do our part to lead others to Christ.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)