The heart of Christ, the Lord of His Church, is for unity, harmony, mutual submission and sacrificial service. In the hours before His inevitable agony the disciples heard Him intercede with His Father for stickability among His followers. “I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.” John 17:20-21
In encouraging the Church in Ephesus, Paul wrote, “...being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 Stickability is hard work!
Four character traits or reinforcing attitudes are pointed out: Humility-Gentleness-Patience-Forbearance.
Humility. Consider our poster-boy for a proper self-assessment, John the Baptizer, who could have instigated a massive national following by simply declaring himself to be the long hoped for rescuer. But instead of stealing the spotlight, he declared his designated role as one who would decrease so that the true Messiah could increase.
Gentleness. Think long on the amazing opportunity that presented itself to Joseph after years of great suffering and anguish at the hands of his own flesh and blood, suddenly faced with the ultimate opportunity for retaliation and revenge! “’Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good’...so he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21
Patience. A little taunting can go a long ways! Yet, for 12 decades, 120 years, Noah kept working on the God-given project and endured the mocking of his neighbors while appealing to them to repent.
Forbearance. Time after time the preacher’s wife disappeared into the night. When she did come home, apparently it was only to provide a place to leave the children which were being fathered by someone other than her own husband. Yet through public humiliation and constant shame, he loved her. And when she had squandered her health and her beauty, it was he who brought her home once again to love her as before. What greater model of forbearance, the grace to bear up long under adversity, can we find than the prophet/preacher Hosea?
Paul declares that the glue that holds the Body together is love... ”...to one another in love.” So love WILL keep us together!
You cultural sages suddenly had a flashback. You closed your eyes and heard the keyboard sounds and the energetic voice of the Captain and Tennille giving musical tribute to the binding, staying power of love when the honeymoon season of marriage has grown into adulthood and allurements and illegitimate pleasures are pulling at its sacred vow. “Love, Love will keep together, think of me babe whenever...”
“Preserve the unity...” Pastor MAK (Michael K) challenges us with this rich text this Sunday morning out on the hill as we celebrate our life together in the annual Worship on the Green. Don’t worry...he will not be doing impersonations of Tennille!
And don’t forget...it is a BYOC day...bring your chair or your blanket...come early for prime seat selection. And stay for fellowship and burgers hot off the grill!
See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom
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