Monday, November 24, 2008

Love Dare- Day 30!!

Followup: How will this change of motivation affect your relationship and reactions? What does this inspire you to do? What does it inspire you to stop doing?

Love Brings Unity

Father keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. -John 17.11

One of the mot impressive things about the Bible is the way it is linked together, with consistent themes running throughout, from beginning to end. Though written over a span of 1,600 years and composed by more than forty writers of various backgrounds and skill levels, God sovereignty authored it with one united voice. And He continues to speak through it today without ever going off message.

Unity. Togetherness. Oneness.

They are the unshakable hallmarks of our God.

From the very beginning of time, we see His unity at work through the Trinity- Father, Son, an Holy Spirit. God the Father is there, creating the heavens and the earth. The Spirit is "moving over the surface of the waters" (Gen. 1.2) And the Son, who is "the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1.3), joins in speaking the world into existence. "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness" (Gen. 1.26)

Us. Our.

All three are in perfect oneness of mind and purpose.

We later see Jesus rising from the water of baptism, as the Spirit descends like a dove and the Father announces over this majestic scene. "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3,17)

Jesus later says, 'I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6.38). His desire to answer His followers' prayers is "so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14.13) He asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit, knowing that the Spirit will faithfully testify about the Son He loves, for "no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God" (I Corinthians 2.11)

Father, Son, and Spirit are in pristine unity. They serve each other, love each other and honor each other. Though equal, they rejoice when the other is praised. Though distinct, they are one, indivisible.

And because this relationship is so special- so representative of the vastness of God- He has chosen to let us experience an aspect of it. In the unique relationship of husband and wife, two distinct individuals are spiritually united into "one flesh" (Gen 2.24) And "what God has joined together, let man not separate" Mark 10.9

In fact, this mystery is so compelling- and the love between husband and wife so intertwined and complete- that God use the imagery of marriage to explain His love for the church.

The church(the bride) is most honored when her Savior is worshiped and celebrated. Christ (the bridegroom), who has given Himself up for her, is most honored when He sees her"as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5.27) Both Christ and the church love and honor the other.

That's the beauty of unity.

What would happen if you made it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your spouse? What if every threat to your unity was treated as poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility, and selflessness? What would your marriage become if you were never again willing to see your oneness torn apart?

The unity of the Trinity, as seen from beyond the reaches of history past and continuing into the future, is evidence of the power of oneness. It is unbreakable. It is unending. And it is the same spiritual reality that disguises itself as your home and mailing address. Though painted in the colors of work schedules and doctor visits and trips to the grocer, oneness is the eternal thread that runs through the daily experience of what you call "your marriage, " giving it a purpose to be defended for life.

Therefore, love this one who is as much a part of your body as you are. Serve this one whose needs cannot be separated from your own. Honor this one who, when raised upon pedestal of your love, raises you up too in the eyes of God, all at the same time.

Today's Dare

Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

4 comments:

Mari said...

Praying for your spouse is not only good for them, but for us too. I have found it's hard to be angry with someone you are praying for. This is true about anyone - not just a spouse!

Unknown said...

I agree with Mari, she has hit the nail on the head with that one.

Michele said...

Happy Thanskgiving Chelle. I'm amazed at your dedication to the Love Dare! God Blees You!

Unknown said...

I agree...Happy Thanksgiving dear friend. I have been talking about you with friends and the Love Dare. I wonder if your ears have been ringing:-) We are plugging along--a few days behind. We did the one (the last one for us) on forgiveness and got to really talk about what we haven't let go of...it was good. Thanks friend! I send you MUCH LOVE!