Friday, 12 April 2024

The Upper Room Discourse 86

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John 17:21 that they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.

Today we end the week by focusing on the last phrase in the verse. Hear the words of Yeshua. John 17:21d ... so the world may believe that You sent Me. Just so we're clear ... the oneness of the body of Messiah will lead to worldwide revival. Here is my explanation.

We celebrate our being one in Messiah. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Ruach we were all immersed into one body - whether Jewish or Greek, slave or free - and all were made to drink of one Ruach. And the discussion of unity in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 leads us to a discussion of love in chapter 13. Yeshua said it previously in the Upper Room Discourse ... John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

How unnatural for people groups who have a long history of animosity, to love one another. Jews and Arabs find unity and love for one another in Messiah. Racism has no place in the community of Yeshua. We are all children of God loving one another as He commands. God's purpose is that our diversity, in a community of love, will testify to the world that this is only possible through the power of God.

Sadly, much of the history of body of Messiah does not testify to these truths. We haven't fulfilled our commandment and calling to love one another. But that doesn't mean Yeshua is wrong, it just means we need to do better at following Him. It starts with repentance, for our own sins and for the sins of our fathers.

We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Messiah and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Did I miss mentioning the great reconciliation that takes place in Messianic Judaism, between all Christians, both Jews and Gentiles? Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other just as God in Messiah also forgave you.

Reconciliation of people groups is something that touches God's heart. We are reconciled to God through Yeshua. Romans 5:10 For if, while we were yet enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved by His life Then He reconciles us to each other through His Spirit of Shalom. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue shalom with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

What is the benefit for getting this right? John 17:21d ... world may believe that You sent Me. Let's give Paul the last word today. Before instructing us in the value of oneness (which is consistent with Yeshua's John 17 prayer), Paul urges us to walk ... (and I add my own amplified version) Ephesians 4:3 making every (spare no) effort to keep (defend, protect, watch-over) the unity of the Ruach (Spirit, tied up with) in the bond of shalom (complete perfection).