ESOCS Devotional 3 August 2021
TEXT: JOHN 17:19-26
MEMORY VERSE: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21 KJV).
No father will fold his hands and watch the foundation he laid and the children he raised suddenly disintegrate; hence, the passionate prayer of Jesus Christ in our text. One of the major strengths of Divinity is their unity, which is responsible for the great works of creation, and supernatural manifestations witnessed in the earth right from creation. Our Lord Jesus confirmed this in His various statements: “I and my Father are one”(John 10:30).
It is the same oneness He enjoyed in His Father that He wants to be inculcated among His disciples and the Church. It is good we note that oneness in the body of Christ is beyond doctrinal unanimity, denominational unity, and liturgical uniformity. It actually touches the unity of faith, spirit, and the full knowledge of Christ expressed in our unconditional love for one another.
The following amongst many are the necessities of oneness in the body of Christ:
Proof of Discipleship: It is not possible to be a true disciple and follower of Jesus and not possess the same mind that Jesus had: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). You cannot claim to be a disciple of Jesus and you are not one with your brother; you promote discord and practically exhibit hatred for one another. Our lives as Christians should be a reflection of the life of Christ, which is the life of oneness with the Father.
Instilling Faith and Easy Conversion of the World: The world will believe the gospel and be converted when they see the oneness in the body of Christ. How realistic will soul conversion be when our messages and sermons are filled with criticism, hateful undertones, and denominational bias? When the body of Christ becomes one, then we can win the world.
- Do away from your bias and sentiments; be one with your brothers in faith.
- Father; thank you for making us one with you; we ask that you forgive our moments of disunity and sowing seeds of discord among brethren.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 4:4-24; Ezekiel 32:17-32; Philippians 1:1-25
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 3 August 2021
