I have been reading the Bible for 33 years, and two mornings ago, it felt like I was reading a verse for the first time. Seriously, it was like I never actually saw these words before:
"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one" (John 17:22 NASB).
Glory, from the Father, through Christ, was given to us. Why? So that we may be one, just as Father and Son are one. Not a dry, doctrinal oneness, but something rich and relationally rewarding.
Are we having trouble uniting? Do we seem too divided, different, competitive? Perhaps that's because we've lost sight of the glory that unites us.
What is this glory? Some possible answers include:
- Future glory (heaven)
- The gospel
- The indwelling Spirit of Christ
- Personal union with God
- Christ Himself ("I in them" - v. 23)
Whether this glory is future or present, its purpose is to lead us into Christian unity, which, in turn, convinces unbelievers that God sent Jesus and loves us. John 17:23 says:
"I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me" (John 17:23)
Brothers and sisters: Let's focus on the glory of the gospel, of heaven, of Christ in us, of personal union with Almighty God, and the wonder of His love. Let's focus on these glorious realities and not lesser things that can divide us.
With hearts thankful for glory - and longing for more - we are encouraged to unite with fellow believers, and we are empowered to pray with more boldness.