August 27, 2017 - CHRISTIAN UNITY

 Day 239 - Psalm 132-1351 & 1 Corinthians 8

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”   (Psalm 133 ESV) 

“Living in unity is as soothing as being anointed with oil, as refreshing as dew from the mountains on a parched desert... But we often experience discord, strife, and disunity instead. This is true of our families, our communities, and our churches. Yet Christ’s prayer (John 17:11) is “that they may be one, even as We are one.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 929)

There are two pictures attached to this devotion. The first reminds us that Christian unity is found only IN CHRIST, the only One who gave His life to redeem this sinful world.  

The second picture represents Christian unity today, as we stand with our persecuted

brothers and sisters in Iraq. It is an Arabic “N,” which stands for the Nazareen. In Mosul, Iraq, it has been painted on doors to identify the homes of Christians who are then brutally beaten and often executed for not denying Christ.

Many Christians have taken to displaying this symbol to show their unity with, and prayerful support of, persecuted Christians.

While the plethora of Christian denominations doesn’t make it appear that we are one, our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord reveals our unity. In fact, it is our faith in Christ, and Christ alone, that makes us Christians in the first place!

Elect from ev’ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth, 
Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.  
One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food, 
And to one hope she presses With every grace endued.

Through toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation Of peace for evermore
Till, with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth has union With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heav’nly chorus!  Lord, save us by Your grace,
That we, like saints before us, May see You face to face.
(“The Church’s One Foundation” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #644, stanzas 2,3,4)

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one in Christ. Please keep me and all believers strong in the saving faith. I ask this especially for my Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering persecution. Lord have mercy! Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf