Devotional: United in Christ

Revelation 7:9

My daughter Abra and I are having a conversation about some of the things that divide us in both our country and in the church. Abra says that when it comes to divisions she thinks of Revelation 7:9. John is exiled on the island of Patmos. He receives a revelation from Jesus Christ. In the vision John sees a great multitude standing before the throne of God. John writes: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands” (NASB).

When I look at this text I come to understand that Jesus is able to unite all people that believe in Him, accept Him as their Savior, and submit to His Lordship. Although people are able to negotiate a cease fire, we are not able to become fully united together in a permanent peace. Although I do my best to live at peace with others I cannot change a person’s heart. I cannot please everybody. Happily, the writer, John, gives us good news.

John tells us that Jesus is able to unite us. For those of us that are in Christ Jesus, our differences cannot keep us apart. I am united with others regardless of human origin or status. Jesus makes the difference. My focus is no longer on you and me. My focus is on Jesus. I set aside my ways and follow His ways. Since people of every stripe focus on Jesus just as I do, we are united in Christ. In Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28, NASB).

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus who is able to unite us together in your peace and love. Amen.