LORD HELP US TO HAVE UNITY IN A WORLD OF DIVISION

One unique experience I had a few years ago in Israel was at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre …the historical location of the crucifixion. For centuries, leaders from the Roman Catholic Church, Armenian, Orthodox, Assyrian and Coptic Church fought for who controls this church including who controls the key to open the church doors and lock them.

In 1187 AD the key was finally given to a Muslim family who was commissioned to unlock and lock the door, and this assignment has been passed down through the generations for 900 plus years. I got to meet the doorkeeper and hold the key. What a lesson! In a world of strife and a city of Jerusalem which is often a powder-keg as a holy city for Jews, Islam and Christians… you would think that Jesus-followers could get along especially at the place we call Calvary or Golgotha.

Is it any wonder that on the eve of the cross Jesus prayed for his disciples and for you and me, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”(John 17:20-21).

Oh God help us to practice unity and love and not fight over who gets to open a door or other minor things. May we be the answer to His prayer.

Dr. Michael Sprague serves as Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. He ministers in a non-partisan pastoral role at the Baton Rouge Capitol, offering Bible studies, prayer, and spiritual care to leaders. A former senior pastor, he holds degrees from the University of Maryland, Capital Bible Seminary, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He helped launch Touch Global Crisis Response after Hurricane Katrina and authored two books. Michael does life in Mandeville, LA with his wife Donna. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God,” reflecting his passion to help others know Jesus. You can find more information about Michael here.  

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