Be One
Jesus was praying for the disciples in John 17:22 (ESV), saying, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” This is a simple yet transformative instruction and grace for believers to live in unity.
Our glory comes from Jesus, who shares in glory with the Father. Because of the love of Jesus, he gives us that glory. We did not deserve it or earn it, but Jesus wanted to share in greater unity with us.
The union we come into because of Christ’s glory is nothing new. This is the glory that Jesus shared with the Father before the world began. This is a deep, enduring, and permanent union. It is holy, pure, and good. In his presence, we come alive.
We can long to know God all we want, but until we receive his glory, we will never experience that oneness with God. A believer who never lives in glory is one who never lives in God. Likewise, a church that never shares God’s glory is missing out on union with the Lord. We genuinely need to be transformed by God’s glory if we hope to see unity with God and one another.
And the transformation of yesterday is not enough for today. We grow daily, and the world is full of deception. The surrender of yesterday only sets us up for greater surrender today. There are always more profound levels of surrender. The glory we experienced yesterday only prepares us for greater glory today. God purifies us with his glory to be ready to encounter more of him.
This is why Jesus calls us to abide. We can tell our stories of glory, but they only serve as a testimony to give us faith in what God will do today. There is no set it and forget it in the kingdom of God, only a pressing in after God, privately and corporately.
My friend Jacob reminded me recently that our unity is unto the return of the Lord. What if today we all participated in the Maranatha cry by seeking to live in God’s glory? There are only a few of us compared to the numbers of believers on the earth, but it would be a start.
The path forward is in surrender and openness. Today, you can receive more of God’s glory in your life, but you must understand that it will challenge your flesh and cost you your life. Still, the invitation is sent. Christ Jesus has prayed that we would receive the glory of heaven in our hearts. Will you lean into this prayer today? In doing so, you will be fulfilling the desire of the Son.
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Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
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Our first devotional book is available on our online store! Abiding Daily: Volume One is a devotional book including 120 prompts from the Daily Invitation. This book is designed to help believers connect with God through the word and discover more of what it means to abide in Christ. Click here to learn more.
