Daily Devotions
Devotions – Monday, June 10th, 2024
Bible Text
“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23)
Reflect
John chapter 17 is Jesus’ last prayer before his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. He begs God for unity among his followers. Unity seems hard to come by these days. Old divides are getting wider and new ways to divide ourselves pop-up every day.
At the church we attend here in Maun, Botswana, they have some interesting ways of showing unity. When we pass the peace, every person shakes hands with every other person in the congregation. After communion, each group is invited up to share a song. Carl and I usually sing something in English out of the old LBWs the church has inherited. The Setswana speakers sing a song in Setswana, the Swahili speakers sing something in Swahili, the Otjiherero speakers sing in Otjiherero. Usually, eight or more languages are represented.
Our unity doesn’t come from being exactly the same. Our unity comes from celebrating what each individual or group brings to the table. Once the congregation starts catching on to a song in a different language, everyone joins in. We learn from one another as a way of showing love to one another; and as a way to enrich and expand our own understanding of the world around us and of the brothers and sisters in Christ we worship alongside. Jesus’ call to unity is not a call to be exactly the same as every other Christian; it is a call to learn from and about one another and move forward in love for one another and with love for the world.
Pray
Jesus, help us be one as you and the Father are one. Teach us to celebrate the unique gifts you give to each person and culture. Give us joy as we step out of our comfort zones to learn about people who are different from us. Enrich our lives and our church through our diversity and unity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotions by Kelsey Grulke