For there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.
A person’s last words often carry much weight. When the end looms near, the extraneous is stripped away. No more patience for pretense. No more time for tiptoeing around the edges. Here lies the most important, the vital thing that must be conveyed.
After sharing a meal and bowing to wash their feet, Jesus must have looked around that somber circle of faces in the Upper Room. James, the son of thunder. John, the beloved. Peter, the rock. These men had deserted all to follow Him. For three years, He had taught them in synagogues. He had instructed them on hillsides. He had demonstrated His power over death and demon possession. Jesus knew this was their final conversation – no more reclining around campfires together, no more laughter over shared meals, no more miracles or marvels, no more questions or corrections. He did not hesitate. Leaning in, He began to speak with urgency. Over their bowed heads, He spoke one final prayer.
As He neared the conclusion of His earthly ministry, what was on His mind? Did He pray for their prosperity? He knew the weight of the mission that they would soon undertake. He knew the painful sacrifices and the price that ministry would exact. Knowing the toll, He could have prayed for their prosperity, for the success of their assignment. He could have asked for all the resources of heaven. But He did not.
He could have prayed for power. He could have petitioned for crowded coliseums and standing-room-only stadiums where supernatural miracles and divine wonders would draw unbelievers into the presence of God. But He did not.
Over and over, He asked for this one thing: that we all would be one. God is in Jesus. Jesus is in us. Perfect in unity so that the world may know that God has sent Him. He loves us in the same way that God loved Him.
He knew that if we walked in unity, if we sacrificed our will for His, that all of His power and prosperity would be evident in our lives. When we dwell together in unity, it is here that He commands His blessing. It is here that His anointing flows. It is here that heaven and earth collide. Has His prayer been answered in you?
Blessing:
Heavenly Father, let Your prayer be answered in me. Help me to always “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Lord, I long to be united with my brothers and sisters in Christ, to love and protect all the members of this great big family of Yours. May we pull together in agreement so that Your anointing may overflow and that Your glory may flood the earth. In the name of our Prince of Peace…Amen.
Today's Bible Reading:
Old Testament
Numbers 16:41-18:32
New Testament
Mark 16:1-20
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
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