Along the lines of “alignment and synchronization” from last week’s post, I want to point out a couple personal observations.
This coming Saturday will be interesting. Pastors and laity representing at least 6 different denominations are uniting together behind one purpose, namely, to pray for our city which has been plagued by drugs and violence. In February we had representatives of over 20 congregations and all aspects of the city order join together for a similar prayer event in the heart of town. Next month we will have yet another prayer event in another strategic area. It’s amazing to me that we can come together with so many different traditions but yet have one heart…for at least one day…and every time God shows up.
I think of all the diversity that will be represented and yet how a singularity of purpose keeps us on the same track together…and then I wonder if my own denomination will ever get to a point where a singularity of purpose will unite us as a whole for a day, or a few days, or for an entire Assembly/Convention. Can we ever look past our differences of opinion and diversities of calling and focus in on the one thing for which we are supposed to exist?
I find an example of this in Ezra chapter 5…and in fact to some level through out both books of Ezra and Nehemiah…but especially in chapter 5.
1At that time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. 2Zerubbabel (the governor) son of Shealtiel and Jeshua (the priest) son of Jehozadak responded by starting again to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them and helped them.
Wow…the prophets, the politician and the priest were all unified behind one purpose…to rebuild the Temple of God. They would face adversity. They would face obstacles. They would have good days and bad days, but they faced them together. The prophets didn’t become politicians. The politicians didn’t become priests. The priests didn’t become prophets. They just worked together until finally they had achieved their common goal.
I look forward to the time when the prophets, politicians and priests can find one thing to focus on again. We don’t live for the political machine. We don’t live for the prophetic mantle. We don’t live for the priestly ministry. We live and we love for Christ. His purpose must unite us, and from this unity His Kingdom will be built.
I hope this is that time.
