I debated with myself about this post because it’s not overtly advent themed. But, then again, maybe it is. We, the Body of Christ, are waiting for the Return of Jesus when we will reign with him forever. As we wait, there is a call, a longing in the heart of God for us to wait in unity together. It was Jesus’ high priestly prayer over us that we would be one with him and one with each other (John 17).
In the book of Ephesians, Paul was writing to a group of believers who lived in the pluralistic society of Ephesus. If I understand it correctly, it was a port town, rich in culture, and somewhat fascinated with magicians. Paul laid out essential, glorious foundations of the Gospel. Unity was an important inclusion.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you are called to one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all in all… Ephesians 4:4-6
We don’t have separate hopes as Christians. We have one hope — eternity with the King of Kings. When Jesus returns, the last thing we will think to say to each other is, “I told you so.” “My hope was right; your hope was wrong.” We have one hope!
As we are celebrating Jesus’ birth and anticipating his return during this advent season, I have the longing (hope) in my heart too. I long for unity in the Body of Christ. Unity is a powerful, HOPEFUL message to a divided, scattered, broken, dying world. Can we do this together? On earth as it is in heaven?
At the beginning of Ephesians, Paul prays this over the church, “that the Father of Glory may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” 1:16-18
Holy Spirit, we need you! Rush on us again, uniting us in the hope of our calling.
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