Choosing a Life of Unity

Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus commanded the disciples to stay together and in unity, “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about’” (Acts 1:4). Jesus wanted them to experience what he was about to do together. He specifically instructed them to stay in the city where people would recognize them– the crucifixion and resurrection were fresh in the thoughts of those in Jerusalem, and the environment was unstable. Surely, his followers were being closely watched.

These believers had experienced the most fantastic events in all of history. They were expecting God to continue moving among them in a way they had been promised but did not yet understand. The pattern continues throughout Church history to the present day – God works among us when we wait upon him together in unity, trusting fully in him and devoted to prayer.

What They Didn’t Do

The young church didn’t waste time trying to figure out what this “gift” might look like, strategizing how to respond to it, or debating what to do next. They didn’t get out of Jerusalem and away from the scrutiny of being followers of Jesus. They didn’t argue over the theological possibilities of what this gift might be, who was right or wrong about what was going to happen, or whether it would happen at all. They simply waited together, spending time devoted to prayer in unity.

Note to self: how very much we can accomplish when we don’t try to accomplish anything on our own accord? When we trust in God alone and devote ourselves to prayer, waiting on him in unity with other believers, he has proven time and time again that he will move in ways that are beyond our imagination.

Along With the Women

The Apostles were not alone in the new church but were joined by a larger group including (but not limited to) the siblings of Jesus, his mother Mary, and devout women. This also reflects the beauty which permeates the church Jesus established. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This new church was not a monolithic group of the same people from the same background. They represented multiple ethnicities, languages, and social classes. They were defined only by their common faith in Jesus as their Savior. The only thing stronger than their differences was their unity in Christ.

From the beginning, women played a significant role in the Messianic movement. These faithful women were in one accord with the apostles, actively engaging in the Church and devoting themselves to prayer alongside their brothers. It was women who went to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus for burial (they were surprised to find him alive), and women who then became the very first preachers of the Gospel – carrying the Good News of the Risen King to the Apostles with whom they now prayed.

As for Mary, what a life story. An ordinary young woman from an ordinary town became the mother of Jesus, and even now continues to have a front-row seat to the events that would forever change the world. How beautiful it is that this amazing woman stood with the Apostles in united prayer at this moment! She who was visited by the angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-28), was now anxiously awaiting yet another birth: the birth of the church through the Holy Spirit.

Unity at Pentecost

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” - Acts 2:1

Can you imagine what it would be like to be in a room with people from different parts of the world, all speaking different languages, and still understanding each other perfectly? That would be nothing short of a miracle! It was exactly the miracle the church had been waiting for. As recorded in Luke 24:49, Jesus told his disciples to “stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” That city was Jerusalem, and the power of the Holy Spirit had now come upon them. God had brought unity in a way no one could have anticipated.

“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.” - Acts 2:5

Just like those disciples in Acts 2, we are also waiting for something to happen as we look towards his return, and seek his movement in the world around us. Yet we do so in the full power of the Holy Spirit, through whom God continues to do amazing and astonishing works.

Brought to Complete Unity

“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - John 17:23

The desire of Jesus is a unified church – a body of believers waiting on him alone. Let us strive to set aside the temporary things that divide us, and fervently seek out unity in the Spirit wherever we can find it. We will not agree with everyone on everything. In fact, we may disagree on many things. But if we claim Christ as our Savior, seek to live in his will, and trust in his Word, we will experience encouragement and unity that will become a vehicle for the miraculous. We can pray in unison for God to heal our land, heal our souls, and give us the unity of purpose to devote to him above all else.

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Jason Soroski is a homeschool dad and member of the worship team at matthias lot church in St. Charles, MO. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, exploring new places, and writing about the experiences. Connect on Facebook or at JasonSoroski.net.