This is a place where we can read, reflect and respond to the traditional scriptures of Lent. Lent is the time where we are made low so that we can appreciate the height of the risen Christ.
This one has a bit of a tougher theme to crack. I feel like the Philippians passage is a bit of the odd man out, but I'm trying to synthesize it.
One thing that does stand out is the idea of unity being a proof to the world of God.
In the Old Testament, it seems that the political unity of Israel and its military ability to defend itself were important demonstrations that the God they worshiped was real. Matt would know more about this, but I would assume that the idolatry that led to their exile would have been known regionally. The beginning of the passage seems to support the idea that Israel's defeat was a proof of God, in that they were being punished for their rebellion.
These NT verses seem to suggest that some kind of unity among Christians is necessary for the world to believe in Jesus and the one who sent him. Without being gnostic, I would suggest that based on these verses, there is a spiritual and physical component to this.
The physical component to this is demonstrated in the Philippians care of Paul in his time of need.
The spiritual component is outlined in Jesus' prayer for future believers, but I find it incredibly vague. "... that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." What does that even mean for us? That's my thought for the day... and I'm done.
I'm going to attempt to answer your question, E. Gruszka.
I think Jesus is saying that our example for unity is the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. My study Bible says that "Jesus' prayer is a rebuke of the groundless and often bitter divisions among believers." In essence, Jesus is telling us that we are to show God to the world by avoiding divisions between different denominations/sects/groups of Christians.
2 comments:
This one has a bit of a tougher theme to crack. I feel like the Philippians passage is a bit of the odd man out, but I'm trying to synthesize it.
One thing that does stand out is the idea of unity being a proof to the world of God.
In the Old Testament, it seems that the political unity of Israel and its military ability to defend itself were important demonstrations that the God they worshiped was real. Matt would know more about this, but I would assume that the idolatry that led to their exile would have been known regionally. The beginning of the passage seems to support the idea that Israel's defeat was a proof of God, in that they were being punished for their rebellion.
These NT verses seem to suggest that some kind of unity among Christians is necessary for the world to believe in Jesus and the one who sent him. Without being gnostic, I would suggest that based on these verses, there is a spiritual and physical component to this.
The physical component to this is demonstrated in the Philippians care of Paul in his time of need.
The spiritual component is outlined in Jesus' prayer for future believers, but I find it incredibly vague. "... that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." What does that even mean for us? That's my thought for the day... and I'm done.
I'm going to attempt to answer your question, E. Gruszka.
I think Jesus is saying that our example for unity is the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. My study Bible says that "Jesus' prayer is a rebuke of the groundless and often bitter divisions among believers." In essence, Jesus is telling us that we are to show God to the world by avoiding divisions between different denominations/sects/groups of Christians.
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