I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20,21
I’ve often wondered why we, as the Body of Christ, haven’t pursued Jesus’ prayer in John 17. It seems clear that the world's belief in Jesus could be tied to our unity and love for one another. Jesus said we’d be known as His disciples by our love for each other. (John 13:35)
Maybe a question we should ask is: “What are we, as the Body of Christ, known for?” We may be known for what we stand for, what we believe in, or even for our differences. But are we known for our love for one another, our unity in Christ, and because of these the world is believing Jesus was sent according to John 17 ?
Well, to be honest, we have a ways to go.
I am encouraged, however. On Thursday, of this past week, Oct. 12, 2017, a group of pastors and elders representing 4 congregations in an outlying community of the Albany Region, met together to discuss this very topic. They are planning to bring their congregations together to pray and to challenge them to become the people through whom God would make His appeal (2 Corinthians 5:20). They are even planning to share their Church directories, to enable their members to realize they live in proximity to each other, encouraging them to reach out to members of the other congregations to pray together, build relationships and work together to win their neighbors to Christ.
I find this very exciting. I know no one comes to the Father unless the Holy Spirit draws him. I believe the Holy Spirit's leading of these pastors and elders from these various congregations is an indication and a precursor of what He is doing to draw the people of this community.
Lord, bless and have your way in this community. Please, Lord, draw people far from you to yourself. Position us to be your Ambassadors, through whom You are making Your appeal. Lord, May we be known as Your disciples by the love we have for one another.