Devotion on Unity by Deb Coyle

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  John 17:20-24

In this scripture passage, Jesus is petitioning the Father for the inclusion of all of his disciples, present and future, to join him as One Church of God.  He intercedes with God his desire to be one with his believers, as he is one with the Father, so the world will know God has sent him.  His desire is for God’s love that dwells within Him to be within each and every disciple, now and forever. This passage precedes the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and beautifully reveals Jesus’ deep and enduring love for all who believe in him and his wish to establish a relationship with every disciple, one holy catholic church.

On Reformation Sunday, Pastor Jeremy spoke of our membership in the Lutheran Church and of our membership in the family of God.  His words inspired me to think of the many groups I actually do belong to, voluntarily and involuntarily – there is my immediate family, my extended family, and my group of friends. I also belong to the church family, my classroom of students, and the staff of Lincoln Public Schools.  The list of possibilities are endless, everything from my political party to the family of man.  Along with memberships come responsibilities to that group through its dissemination of labor to the commitment to enhance its growth and well-being.

A daily inventory of my membership in the family of God is in order.  As I give thanks each morning to God for his love, protection, and grace, I will ask him for guidance in letting his light shine through me and for help in growing the membership of His family with those who are seeking the path to his heavenly home.

Dear Heavenly Father,  Please guide us each day as we go about our work as members of Your one church. Help us to be beacons to those seeking Your love, so that they may know You and Your unfailing grace.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

Written by Deb Coyle