Lord's Day Devotion - Smash & Unity

 The dismantling of the Berlin Wall (Nov 1989) was cause for great celebration for many people.  Those who had been separated for nigh on to 30 years, could now reunite.  I still remember, that on an anniversary not many years later of that wall being smashed to pieces, an uncle gathered us to celebrate, together with a couple of those 'long lost relatives' who'd been freed and had come to visit.  It was as euphoric as it was historic.  Who would have thought this could happen?!

Another cataclysmic thing would be the American Republicans and Democrats suddenly joining hands for the good of the people, especially in this day and age where they have become increasingly more hostile towards one another.  Wouldn't that be something?!  Or, even if the Ukraine and Russia or Hamas and Israel startle us with a ceasefire and peace treaty, and actually honor it, and then, hand-in-hand, decide to do good for their citizens and the world.

We can dream on.  Pray on, too, on that front.

This is the kind of earth shattering phenomenon that actually happened between Jew and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ, as we read about in the book of Acts.  Some from each background came to Christ.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.  God Himself tore down those dividing walls of bickering and open hostility with His own bare hands - so to speak (those hands of Jesus that had been nail-pierced).

By God's immeasurable grace,

"...the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in promise in Christ" (Ephesians 3:6).

A mystery, indeed!  God's eternal purposes, "accomplished in Christ Jesus".  A Jewish man, for the good and benefit of all peoples of the world, bridging the gap and smashing the divide all in one fell swoop.  He's brought peace and unity.  Let us not destroy this.

See this mighty accomplishment by our Almighty God from these perspectives as you read this verse...

"Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than  all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations for ever and ever!  Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Doesn't this thrill your heart and soul?!

When there are arguments and divides, think of what Christ has accomplished --

"Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

Recently I spent a weekend among a group of Murut - one of Sabah's tribal groups.  The Muruts were among the last such groups to stop their head hunting practices. Among the visiting group I went with, were others from other Sabah tribal groups, and ethnic backgrounds!  This is God's Kingdom - God's work of uniting!  Only in Him, could such a feat have transpired.

Let us praise the Lord in euphoric celebration for such triumph through Jesus Christ.  May our response be, not just thankfulness and gratitude but of maintaining this precious-to-God unity of Spirit that Jesus suffered and sacrificed for.

Father God, this unity is truly beyond what we could ask or imagine but we humbly thank-You from the bottom of our hearts, souls and spirits.  May we give you the glory and honor You deserve even while we remain here on earth until You send Jesus to bring us up to be with you forever and ever.  Our spirits are willing but our flesh is weak in maintaing the unity of Spirit, you have given us but we are thankful for Your Holy Spirit who helps us.  

Jesus instituted a great way to help us though and we give You thanks for this too.  We remember Jesus in His death and resurrection this Lord's Day and every other possible Lord's Day, to thank-You for bringing us back to You from Whom we were separated due to our wall of sin.  He smashed this wall and brought Your people together.  And so, we pass and partake of the broken bread and drink of the wine in remembrance, to help us remember Your amazing grace and power which is at work in us.  May your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  In Jesus' Name we praise, remember and keep unity of Spirit.

                                                       ~ ERC  July 2022 ~

Based on Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Sing,  We Are One in the Bond of Love along with Master Chorus Book and Spirit Touch Your Church, along with Kingdom Expression.