God’s Commanded Blessing on Unity

Psalm 133 is a familiar passage read before a church business meeting or a Sunday sermon during crisis time. The reality is that God shows us a powerful principle concerning this truth. It is found in Genesis 11:6 concerning the tower of Babel. God said because of their unity there is nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it. Now these were ungodly people without the prophetic purpose of God at heart. What could this mean to a people fulfilling the call of God on their lives and pursuing the purposes of God’s Kingdom?

A House Divided

Christ gave us even greater insight when He said in Matthew 12:25 a house divided, a city divided and a nation divided cannot stand. One great statesman using this standard said united we stand, divided we fall. No wonder Jesus said, “that they all may be one.” John 17:21

The Pursuit of Reconciliation

True enough there needs to be unity at every level of our nation. This will only come as we recognize the division and actively pursue reconciliation. We must have it in the home and in the church. It has been said the home is the church in miniature. Prophetically, this has become true.
Churches all over the United States are divided and separated over insignificant issues. It was the trick of our enemy to bring such contradictory structure and government into the church. Business meetings, power positions, and controlling factions have so hurt the
cause of Christ that instead of reaching the world, we have turned them away. Denominationalism has built more barriers. City after city we fight over each other’s members, compete for programs and show uniformity while refusing to really work together. Even inside the denomination we fight over issues already settled in God’s Word.

What Is Our Greatest Problem?

But this is not the greatest problem we face. Racism is the single-most divisive problem in the body of Christ. Especially black/white division. We work together all week. Our children go to school together. We eat together in restaurants. But still Sunday is the most segregated day of the week. Racism is the giant stopping us from world evangelism.

One Simple Step

I believe God empowered our forefathers to form a nation under God to reach the world. Satan immediately set out to deride and destroy our destiny. How? Slavery, racism and the outright tragedy of white people abusing and ruling over black people. The problems
are so many and yet the answer begins with one simple step, repentance and reconciliation.
I know this will never happen until the church prays. We must pray for God’s help and mercy. White men must repent of our forefathers’ sins and our own prejudice and seek reconciliation with our black brothers and sisters. Black men and women must repent of
anger and self-trust. We must forgive each other and return to God’s purpose. We cannot do it alone. God never intended it. Divided we fall short of God’s intent. United we stand ready to see the completion of the world harvest God has set before us. We must abandon tokenism and surface gestures. 1 John 2, 3, 4 tells us plainly of God’s love being expressed to our brothers.

Who Is Responsible?

Yes, we are all responsible in the body of Christ to see true reconciliation. We are all given the ministry of bringing a lost world to Christ. If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If not in the church, then where? We must love not in word only but in deed and truth. It is time to recognize the need, repent of our sins and reconcile the family of God. Then and only then will we have validity to speak prophetically to our nation and our world.
Psalm 133 is a familiar passage read before a church business meeting or a Sunday sermon during crisis time. The reality is that God shows us a powerful principle concerning this truth. It is found in Genesis 11:6  concerning the tower of Babel. God said because of their unity there is nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it. Now these were ungodly people without the prophetic purpose of God at heart. What could this mean to a people fulfilling the call of God on their lives and pursuing the purposes of God’s Kingdom?

God Will Be on Time

As I write this greeting, love is in the air. Christmas lights, gifts, music and laughter fill every moment with joy.
Sermons, plays and special services, point us to the real reason of this season. What follows? The expected salutation, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Wait a minute. . .our President has brought shame to the highest position in the world. Politicians have undermined the process. Pastors have become silent in the pulpit, and parents have hidden from the real problems of the family.
Our President is facing possible impeachment. Our armed forces are in war in Iraq. Our economy is out of control. The world is in turmoil in every way, and Y2K looms over our heads with such uncertainty that “men’s hearts are failing them for fear.” Is there any hope, security or refuge? Where can we go for comfort and direction? Does God’s Word speak prophetically of these days?
I believe so! In Psalms 99 the Lord reigns! Let the earth be moved. Wow! It doesn’t matter, God is on the throne! God is great! Verse 3 declares, “keep praising Him.” God will finish His work of justice. The sin of mankind must be judged. The heart of His bride must be turned to Him again. Verse 8 sums it up for you and I, God forgives. Repentance is still the road back to God, blessing for us, and His best for our world!
Allow me to encourage you to read and study what men of God are saying for 1999 and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you:
1. Read Psalm 99 in its entirety.
2. Prophecy in the News, December 1998 Edition by J.R. Church
3. The Shepherds Rod, from Morning Star Publications
4. Pastor Powell’s Sermon for the New Year

Don’t despair! Exalt God! Worship Him! God is holy, and He will be on time in 1999!
As I write this greeting, love is in the air. Christmas lights, gifts, music and laughter fill every moment with joy.