As we continue looking at the questions proposed in the very first post in this series, let’s explore the second question. Here it is:
Are we longing for others to come together in one accord in unity and in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Each one of us has been uniquely gifted by God, so when we come together in His unity, the power of the Holy Spirit is released.
Each one of you holds a specific piece of the puzzle that needs to be completed.
I believe that God is longing for His church to come together in a unity that shakes the world and displays His loving kindness, mercy, and power.
I’m reminded of Paul and how he was “intensely longing” to see the church in Thessalonica. He writes to them and says, “Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20
Paul was boasting over the believers in this church. He was expressing his longing to see them thrive and grow in the Lord. He explains how Satan prevented him from coming to them. Yet, he exhorts them in this and says,
“What gives us hope, joy, and our proud reward with a crown before Jesus, one day, is YOU!”
Yes, you are that pride and joy to Jesus. He longs to see you advancing in unity and oneness in Him.
Paul was so concerned and longing to know where they were in their faith that he could not stand it any longer. He even explains his fears saying, “I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” 1 Thessalonians 3: 5
Folks, God is deeply concerned about us too, like Paul, yet even more.
If you are longing to be in unity with other believers, that’s a God-given longing that He wants carried out.
As we grow as Christians, the enemy, the tempter is always wanting to prevent us from God’s work.
Here’s who he is and what he does:
- He is a tempter and is spoken about in every major division in the New Testament.
- He is an accuser, a liar, and the Father of All Lies.
- He is supreme among evil spirits.
- His activities can affect the physical and the spiritual.
- He tempted Jesus.
- He continues to tempt the servants of Jesus.
- He hinders missionary work and all of God’s work.
If you’re feeling defeated, focus on this, the best part:
He has already been defeated and Christians need not be overwhelmed by him.
So, why did I mention all that the enemy does?
To get us to a place to see that if you are called by God and for God, you will get opposition, warfare, and obstacles thrown at you.
We must walk by faith knowing that we are overcomers because Jesus already overcame. As He is, so are we.
That piece of the puzzle that we are each holding will not be connected to form and come together until we learn to press through all opposition and obstacles.
How do we do that?
- Unite, pray, and serve Him with tenacious faith.
- Be a uniter, not a divider.
Remember, Jesus told us, “Unity commands the blessing.”
Here’s the rest of it Psalm 133.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133: 1
Why is it good?
“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: 2-3
- The oil saturation signifies total consecration to God’s service.
- Brotherly harmony sanctifies God’s people.
Let’s look at the dew spoken about on Mt. Hermon:
- It made the land richly fruitful.
- Brotherly unity makes Israel and the church richly fruitful.
We were instructed long ago to “Be fruitful and multiply.” That command still speaks to us today.
- Being united brings forth Godly fruit with people coming into the Kingdom of God.
- Yield to the creative work of the Holy Spirit; remember He is part of the Trinity, the Godhead.
Occupy and multiply!
Don’t be puzzled about your purpose, you hold a piece and place in His service and in His Kingdom.
May God’s Longings Be Our Formations.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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