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“all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey. …All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.” – Nehemiah 8:1-3 .
The book of Nehemiah is written during a momentous time in the history of God’s people. After hundreds of years of running after false gods and not obeying God’s voice, God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to conquer the kingdom of Judah and carry the Israelites into captivity in Babylon. After years in exile, thousands had returned home. While filled with joy, there were monumental hurdles to go over.
One of the first acts of these returning exiles was to assess their situation and evaluate what needed to be done. Realizing they faced overwhelming problems, they focused on unity. They didn’t dwell on issues that divided them but “came together as one”(Nehemiah 8:1 NIV). They assembled “with a unified purpose” (NLT). This initial meeting would not solve all their problems. In fact, they would face a series of challenges in the years to come. However, they recognized that their plans and actions needed to be unified.
The Bible consistently reminds us of the importance of unity. David said “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1 ESV). Jesus taught His disciples that their unity was central to their effectiveness. He prayed that His followers “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:23). Paul taught that believers “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
As we face old and new challenges in the new year, remember the importance of unity. Our unity is not based on shared cultures, personal interests, or personal tastes but on something much more profound. It is not what we have in common that matters, but who we have in common. There are a thousand ways to splinter church unity and one way to unite it again. We need to walk the same path and head in the same direction.
A united church is a powerful tool. Paul says we exist as a church so “…all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6)
If we’re going to be successful in doing that, it will take everyone making that our goal.
Discussion Questions:
- How important is living in harmony?
- How would you describe the power and impact of unity? When or where have you experienced that?