April 8

And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. John 17:19-21.

Were it for the Lord Jesus sanctifying Himself, none of us would be sanctified. We are set apart for His holiness alone--the world will not understand this or have any part of it. We are set apart into truth, and that truth is Jesus. What I may not fully understand, especially when I consider my limited view of heavenly matters, is that I am truly one with all of my fellow Christians. I am prone to place boundaries and unnecessary conditions upon this unity, when in reality the unity is always there—often in spite of my behavior. The unity arises from the work of Jesus at the cross, not from my frail efforts.

We also learn that our unity in Christ will eventually give cause for the world to believe that Jesus was sent by the Father. Again, that will occur by the masterful design of God’s providence. The world may think that Christians are divided in their worship, their doctrines, their buildings of worship, but ultimately the people of this world will know that we are Christians by our love for one another. I cannot organize or improve upon these principles.

Today, Father, let us celebrate together our unity. It is an accomplished fact. I cannot comprehend the depth of all of that unity, for it is ultimately associated with the very life of Your Son. But we can walk together in that unity. I give all praise to You for all that has been achieved by Jesus at the cross. Thank You for His resurrection to the new life of unity that He shares with us. Amen.
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