How May We Be One With Each Other?

Devotional by Andrew S., 9th & 10th grade Sunday school teacher

John 17:1-11 is what would have been the Gospel this past Sunday at Belmont UMC had it not been Youth Sunday. Nevertheless, I see some connections with the ideas of ubuntu. In this passage Jesus prays for “those whom you gave me.” He prays to God the Father “that they may be one, as we are one.”

What does it mean for us to be one with each other? That is what we discussed this last Sunday. We talked about the many ways our lives are bound up with our neighbors here in Nashville and throughout the world. Indeed, here at Belmont the world is coming to us even as we go out in mission.

However, this passage also goes further. Christ prays that he may be glorified in God. If we are one with our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we may be glorified as well. Christ glorified God “on earth by finishing the work that [God] gave me to do.” He did this in many ways, living out the words of the psalmist, “In your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy” (Psalm 68:10b).

We should also finish the work before us. How do you bring glory on earth among the people of God in this community and beyond? What work has God given you to do?

Consider also:
Acts 1:6-14 -- As Christ ascends to heaven, he announces that the power of the Holy Spirit will come. “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” How will you live in the Holy Spirit’s power?
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- “Brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” Indeed there is suffering in Burma (Myanmar) even as the United States rebuilds from hurricanes and tornadoes. How are we to walk with our brothers and sisters in Christ?