Jesus & Politics: A 5-Day DevotionalNäide

Our Unity Impacts Eternity

Final words are important. Usually, people on their deathbed share their final words with great intention and thought. They don’t talk about trivial things like the weather or politics; what they say is important, and people lean in to listen.

Let’s take a look at some of the final words that Jesus gives before He is taken to the cross. He's in the garden of Gethsemane, praying to the Father—and He's praying for you. He starts off in John 17, praying for His disciples, and then He says, “My prayer is not only for them alone, I pray for those who will believe in me through their message. So we have come to believe in God through the message of the apostles and the disciples.”

He goes on to say, “...that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

Jesus Himself said that the world is going to know and understand who He is by our unity. He didn’t say, “If you can defend your faith, argue theology, and prove your political point, the world will know me.” It’s the power of unity that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven and shows people we are different.

Unity is not for the sake of getting along in the midst of our strong opinions or political differences. It's way more important than that. According to Jesus’ final words, our unity as believers will impact eternity. And we have to remember that unity doesn't come naturally. It requires intentionality because there are going to be differences of opinions, thoughts, perspectives, and upbringings. But in a divided world, the Body of Christ has to be united. A divided world needs a united Church.

How can you be an answer to Jesus’ prayer today?

Prayer:

Jesus thank you for your heart for unity. Thank you for the power of unity. Help me to choose unity over my own preferences and opinions. I pray that you would help me to see others the way you see them and for the Body of Christ to be united in you. Amen.