Saturday, August 23, 2003 (2)THAT THEY MAY BE ONE. These are the words of the Lord Jesus as he prayed for His disciples. In an age, such as we live in today, a time of dissension, protest, riots, rebellion and disturbances of all kinds, it is difficult to imagine or conceive of such a thing happening. The spirit of the world has even spilled over into the church. Nevertheless, there will be the same unity in the church, the body of Christ, in the earth. If for no other reason, Jesus prayed that it would be so, and it will be. John 17:11 The unity of the body is to be equal to that of the Godhead, perfect, absolute and complete agreement. For we are to be as He is. So, the body will achieve the equality which is found in the words, as we are. That is a compatibility, an accord which is perfect in a harmonious relationship, without any possibility of division of any sort.
THE GLORY, I HAVE GIVEN THEM. It is that glory which originated with the Father and was subsequently imparted to the Son. Then bestowed on those who followed the Lord Jesus. That glory, revealed in the person of the Holy Spirit was to lead them to become one, entering into that glorious heavenly atmosphere of unity, producing the life of Christ in a body of believers. John 17:22 The glory is that which the Lord will impart to each and every seeking member of the body of Christ. Spiritually, we are like babes playing in a mud puddle, when vast waters of swimming are made available to us. Jesus said, ye shall know. John 14:20 Spiritual knowledge brings the manifestation of Spiritual life. It enables faith producing the fulfillment of the promises of the Word. If the Word is not active in our lives then we badly need a fresh endowment of the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord. Spiritual alliances, horizontally or vertically, with other members of the body or with the Lord Himself, must be equal to that which exists between the Father and the Son and that is absolute.
JUST AS YOU ARE IN ME AND I AM YOU. An unrestricted communication and accomplishment which could know no conflict, no separation. It is impossible for the mortal mind to comprehend the perfect, complete harmony in word, thought and deed which has always, eternally existed in the Godhead. John 17:21 But amazingly, the Lord Jesus forecast that same process would be found in the body of believers. He prayed that they would be made perfect in one. John 17:23 All this begins on a very practical and human level. An obedience to the simplicity and the practice of the teaching of the Word. Make peace with those who may have a quarrel with you, perhaps even a long standing feud. The key word is, be reconciled, be at peace.” The person actively seeking reconciliation will benefit to no end by their action. Mt. 5:23-24 We, personally, establish the measurement of our forgiveness by the Lord from our own willingness to forgive those who have wronged us, whether imagined or factual. Mt. 11:25-26 With such actions we are the benefactor, by far. Just practicing the Word creates such joy. Do it now. Be free.