But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd (John 10:16).
LifeWay leader David Francis writes in Missionary Small Groups that healthy Christians think beyond their class to the community and (great) commission. For the individual, that means changing your focus from “me” to “us” to “them.” Imagine what our church would look like if we prayed and acted more like missionaries.
I find it very interesting that Jesus was praying for the Disciples’ disciples. Their spiritual children and grandchildren would at first deal with horrendous persecution, so Jesus prays “protect them.”
Then they would face a more subtle enemy—disunity, so Jesus prays “unite them.” “One”= unity. It is very important to our Father that His children get along. Not only are fighting children annoying, they are a distraction to the mission of reaching a lost world.
May they be completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me (v 23).
Formerly churched people have not so much lost interest in Jesus as they have given up on His Bride. Every time believers backbite, our message takes a hit. Eighty percent of Americans will not be in any church this Sunday, and only a third of church members will even show up.
By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).
PRAY ON!
Jesus showed us how to live in a constant state of dependence on the Father—through intimate prayer. Jesus is still praying for His beautiful, dysfunctional Bride—us. Will you join Him in praying for our family and church leadership’s protection, provision and unity?
