Passage (NIV): Psalm 133 and John 17:20-23
Preacher: Mark Kingston
Psalm 133 begins with an invitation: Look at this!
Look how good it is when God’s family live together in unity. People sharing what they have. Making room for each other. Discovering that they belong. And then the Psalm says: That's where God loves to give his blessing. That's where life grows.
Then Jesus prays something remarkable. He asks that his followers would be one, “so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21, NIV).
Stop and think about that.
Jesus wants people to look at our life together and discover what God is like. The way we share our money. The way we make room at our tables. The way we notice someone who feels forgotten. Through these things, people might begin to recognise him. He has given our ordinary relationships that extraordinary possibility.
So what might this life together look like? Here are 3 examples to get you thinking...
1. Generosity
Imagine a church family quietly covering three months’ rent for someone who has lost their job. That person has been lying awake, wondering how they’ll manage. Now the generosity they’ve heard about on Sundays has reached their bank account. Imagine the relief.
2. Community
Imagine friendship growing between someone who lives alone and a family whose grandparents are miles away. They begin eating together. Soon there are school concerts to attend, cakes to bake, stories to hear. The parents have support. The children have another adult who loves them. And someone who used to eat alone now has a child asking, “When are you coming back?”
3. An adventure
Imagine a church helping a teenager’s dream become real: somewhere young people can hang out after school, create, play and belong. Someone offers an unused workshop. Others bring tools, paint, a second-hand sofa. They pray, plan and get to work.
Months later, there’s toast in the kitchen, a mural taking shape and laughter around a board game. The adults who host know people’s names and take time to listen. Through their care and generosity, young people begin to discover something of what Jesus is like.
Can you see it?
These examples show what it could look like when the unity of God's people that the Psalm celebrates and that God blesses, takes shape in a town, on a street, and around a table. Ordinary people learn to trust Jesus and share their lives. And neighbours beginning to wonder: "Who is the God who teaches people to live like this?"
Pause and listen
Sit for a while with God. Let yourself imagine this kind of life growing among us.
Then ask: “Lord, I’d love to be part of this. What are you nudging me to think about, do or share?”
Take your time. Leave some room to listen. You might share what you sense with someone you trust and explore it together.
A prayer
Jesus, make us one. Help us trust you enough to share what we have, make room for each other and follow where you lead. Let people discover your goodness through our life together. Amen.
