(3)
Suggested Scripture Reading: John 17: 20 – 26
John 17:21 – Scripture Reference
” I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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”
“There is strength in numbers,” is a time-worn cliche’ used to say that a group of people has more influence and power than one person. It is a logical conclusion that the more people present to contribute to a task, the lesser is the demand for energy and time! But there are tasks that remain unachieved for which millions of people profess a willingness to assist. It may well be the most severe dilemma facing the modern Church. Why does the institution, which guards the most life-changing proclamation in the world, creep along now at snail-pace, when such a need for the Gospel of the Risen Christ exists?
Obviously, there is strength in numbers for Social Service Clubs undertaking activities for worthwhile causes. But a gathering, conducting similar activities in the Name of Christ, is monumentally different. For the former, it is a project. For the latter, it is a Mission. Such a Mission must bear an identifiable relationship to the Christ who commissions it, and to the Creedal belief of the devotee.
There is abundant evidence in the Gospels, indicating unwavering support for the common belief that there is strength in numbers. Was it not just this very belief that prompted Jesus to call His first disciples? Was it not a distinct feature of the genesis of the Christian Church? “They were all together in one place” ( Acts 2:1)
There is strength in numbers, indeed! Yet one must ask: What is the reason in our day for the “diminishing return” on God’s investment in a Gospel intended to change the world? “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” ( John 3:16)
It is not until Jesus permits His disciples to see inside His Spirit that they come to fully comprehend the meaning of an ‘individual’s strength.’ The disciples hear Jesus vocalize this mystery: “I Can of Mine Own Self Do Nothing The Father That Dwelleth in Me, He Doeth the Works. ( John 5:19)
The disciples are awestruck when they hear Jesus petition the Father on their behalf, “Father, just as I am in You and You are in Me, so may they( the disciples) also be ONE IN US!” Herein is the Strength in ONENESS! It is this strength that in the execution of today’s Mission is often untapped.
The disciples, in the beginning, were together as helpers of Jesus. On the occasion of ‘ the feeding of the five thousand,’ in a desert, Jesus instructs the disciples “you feed them “. The disciples respond to such a request in absolute disbelief and shock! But when they witness Heaven’s unlimited resources supplementing earth’s limited supply, the disciples see and believe. The finite spirit of human beings is created to be embraced always by the Infinite Spirit of God!
As a consequence of that revelation, today’s disciples of Jesus must understand that NO Mission is ever impossible. The disciples themselves now engage in doing similar miracles. Previously they were mele observers of Jesus’s miraculous works. Gradually, the disciples come to believe, that the Prayer which Jesus made for them had been answered.” I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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”
At the breathtaking conclusion of the musical Les Miserables, the main character in Victor Hugo’s novel, Jean Valjean is dying. Hear his words!
“Take my hand and lead me to salvation.
Take my love, for love, is everlasting.
And remember, the truth that once was spoken:
To love another person is to see the face of God…” (2)
In this world of such desperate need, may you see the face of God in every person you meet, and may others see the Face of God in you!
A Prayer To Follow This Meditation
Dear Lord, open my eyes that I might see the broken, lost, and lonely ones of this world.
But awaken my spirit so that my determination to do something about it does not wither in melancholy sympathy.
Open my ears that I may hear the sad music of empty and unfulfilled promises!
But sharpen the hearing of my spirit that I may hear more distinctly Heaven’s music, celebrating our Father’s Love that will yet reach all people of every color and race!
Open my mind that I might understand the futility of the shouting and the tumult of leaders, who think that whoever shouts the loudest, offers the best among phony solutions.
But in the quieter moments of sanity and liberating faith, fix my mind upon things not yet seen. I pray as Jesus taught us,” Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven.” I Pray in His Name. Amen
HYMN: Blest Be The Tie That Binds
EDITORIAL NOTES
- The Scripture references in this post are from the NIV translation of Scripture
- Victor Hugo’s novel, http://www.online-les_miserablesliterature.com/victor_hugo/les_miserables/
- https://www.philipchircop.com/post/30870834221/to-love-another-person-is-to-see-the-face-of-god