Seek Unity

“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 NLT

In article published last week titled “ Boston Prepares For 10-Year Anniversary of Marathon Bombings,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu made this statement, “Every year we come together on One Boston Day to remember the courage, strength, and resilience shown by our city’s people in 2013. As we mark 10 years, we will gather together in community on April 15 to remember the lives that were lost, the many injured, and the spirit of humanity displayed that day.” On April 15, 2013, two bombs went off at the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three spectators, including an 8-year-old boy. Hundreds of others were injured. “This year, our theme for the Boston Marathon is One Boston, symbolizing the unity and spirit witnessed after April 15, 2013,” Jack Fleming, B.A.A. president and CEO, said in a statement. 

And you know, as someone who had the blessing of running the Boston Marathon in 2014, the year after the bombings, and experienced the way the tragedy brought millions of people (runners and non-runners alike) together, I can tell you that unity is a great thing. Which is the very reason Jesus prayed that future believers everywhere would “all be one” just as He and the Father were one. In this way, He explained, the world would see the unusual and atypical unity of God’s people in their unwavering love for the Father and for each other—something that would cause the lost to believe in the Savior, the One who was sent and the One who inspired this type of odd and unconventional harmony and accord. 

So as we reflect on the relationship Jesus had with the Father, let us remember that unity isn’t uniformity my friend. We shouldn’t strive to all be the same but to love one another despite our differences; putting aside those things like ethnicity and social status to stand as “one” on even ground before the cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers show the world Who and what they believe in more by their actions than by their words. Help us to overlook the things that make us different from our brothers and sisters Lord as we seek unity in the family of Jesus. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!