Unity And Purpose: a Reflection on Psalm 109, Genesis 27:46-28:22, Romans 13:1-14 and John 8:33-47

God will always act on our behalf. Why? For his name’s sake. God always stands with the needy. We know that most explicitly as we learn the Jesus way! God stands with the needy in order to save them from those who would condemn God (Jesus). There is a reason for God’s explicit instructions about the purity of a people. God called Abraham to be a great people in order to be a blessing. But the people needed to remain a united people; ethnically and religiously. Jacob was forbidden to marry a Canaanite woman. Esau married Ishmael’s daughter. There is something about being a people. Gentiles, non-Jews, have been adopted into Abraham’s family (God’s family) through Jesus. Today, God’s people need to transcend the various branches of Christianity and be a united movement. We need to repent of our desired autonomy and independence. We are to be subject to the authorities. The authorities are God’s servant for our good. To be subject to the authorities will result in persecution. And that is important to recognize. Only the Son can make us free. Those who love God are legitimate children of the Father. Much to ponder here. Unity is at the core of Kingdom success. Unity amongst God’s family is so important. The world is watching.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.