“…I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, 1KEEP THEM IN YOUR NAME, which you have given me, that THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.” (John 17:11) 1tēreō: to watch over protectively.
The intention of Jesus Christ our Lord is that we would be one, with the same kind of oneness that Jesus and the Father! So, why do we not have that same oneness and why is that so important? “…that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21)
Our oneness is a testimony that we as Christians have been “KEPT” by the Father as one!
If you do a search on the internet for Christian topics you will find many different opinions and arguments about almost any subject in the bible and yet:
“All Scripture is BREATHED OUT BY GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
I wonder, when we seek God and listen to Him as we should? If so, wouldn’t the same God who breathes out the scripture, give us the same understanding? Maybe we should consider this:
“…no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corin. 2:9)
We do not understand God’s word by our own wisdom, knowledge or our own understanding: “…these things GOD HAS REVEALED TO US THROUGH THE SPIRIT. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Corin. 2:10)
My thought is we need to ask God: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psa. 139:23-24)
Make sure Lord, that there is nothing in me that would cause me to lack understanding in your word so WE ALL MAY BE ONE, just as you and Jesus are one: “so that the world may believe” by our unity!
Revive is us contrite hearts and humble spirits…Bill Stockham