Complete Unity Series

John 20:19–31

The word “unity” describes the quality of being united into one. To better understand these qualities of existence consider unity as being undivided completeness with nothing missing.

There is a complete unity among the Holy Father, His Son, and The Holy Spirit. A wise person would seek to have such a unity in love relationships, but for many it is just too perfect of a quality to enjoy. Then again to be able and comprehend the evidence of unity in complex situations is a beauty for the mind to behold.

Albert Einstein is quoted to have said; “It is a magnificent feeling to recognize the unity of complex phenomena which appear to be things quite apart from the direct visible truth.”

Psalm 133 is a cheerful and hopeful song enjoyed by the Jewish people traveling to Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals. Also during festivals as the priest would climb the steps up to the minister they would have included singing Psalm 133. The beauty in this Psalm is its description of a unity that would be a quality of life for humankind to enjoy.

Psalm 133 (Tanakh) A song of ascents. Of David.

How good and how pleasant it is that brothers dwell together. 2It is like fine oil on the head running down onto the beard, the beard of Aaron, that comes down over the collar of his robe; 3like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the mountains of Zion. There the LORD ordained blessing, everlasting g life.

Such a unity is found when all believe in the same truth with the same sense of understanding. That same belief and understanding is possessed by each in their thoughts, and deeds. Often humankind’s need for power “do it my way” or just plain old individual “look at me” humanness fights against being in such unity.

What makes unity attractive is the evidence of individuals putting aside their differences for the focus of all to be upon a truth that each believes in. Unity is evident in love, with a male and female set apart their self-serving needs and instead focus on the unity of the two. This is the reason for having a committed married relationship.

Unity is a beauty to know in the fellowship of the church. For an outsider unity is seen in the moral and spiritual qualities the members subscribe to. The lack of unity would cause an outsider to question the members motivates. Are they really focused on Jesus Christ? Maybe their motivation in being in the church is their own quest for doing things their way.

To behold unity among the fellowship of the church is to sense fine sacred anointing oil running down Aaron’s long beard. The church that does not have unity may have some success. But the reality is they will not because of the reasons that fight unity not win souls for life eternal. Because unity is provided by the one we are to be focused upon Jesus Christ. The spirit of the Son provides life everlasting.

To illustrate beauty of unity among believers let’s consider Acts 4:32-35. They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

The early community of true believers was focused upon Jesus Christ. Maybe it was because they were expecting his return at any moment they looked like a unified soul. There was only one church and not what we see today. Today we can see over fifty different flavors of what it means to be a Christian. Most are not acting as if they expect Jesus to return during their lifetime. These fifty plus brands of Christians argue with each other and do everything possible to not pray together, or receive Holy Communion together. One piece of criticism the Muslims like to point out.

Makes you wonder how the evidence of the early church eyewitnesses has survived over two thousand years. On the day of his resurrection our Gospel lesson points out that unity was not evident among the disciples. For the most part they were together but that more because they feared the leadership of the Jews? When the women returning from the tomb brought news they were more doubters not believing their different reports.