This morning, I'm cooking in our sunny, quaint apartment. Reed ran out to the store and to the gym, so it's just me, the stove and some Needtobreathe. I'm really thankful for this peaceful morning to reflect on the past few days. In light of Easter on Sunday, I've been reading a Holy Week Bible plan. It's been good-so, so good. Even as a person who grew up in church and who heard this story numerous times, I'm so grateful that it takes new depth each time I ingest it.
As I started reading this week, one thing struck me more than any other detail. In Jesus' last prayer, on the day before he was crucified, he first prays for himself. Then he prays for his disciples. Finally, in his last request, he prays for us. He prays that we would be unified.
"...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 you have sent me." - John 17:21
We know unity in the Body is important. That's clear. In this prayer, though, I see a refreshing call to unity. Jesus wanted this for his people. He wanted it because it was the model the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit set for us. He wanted unity because he knew it would draw people to himself.
The more I learn about God and his Truth, the more I'm in awe of the paradox he is. He is this sovereign, mighty, Creator that loves justice. At the same time, he is this compassionate Savior praying for his children to be unified. What a picture this is! My view of God is changing, and I'm learning that it's okay to be perplexed by the majesty of this Savior. It's a very humbling realization, and that's something I need often.