“Be diligent—make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph.4:3). “We know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1Cor.13:9-10).
Dear Jesus, there are many reasons I look forward to life in the new heaven and new earth. Being with you and becoming like you tops my list; but I also crave the Day when your entire Bride will be made perfect in love. Our eternal diversity reflects your beauty, but our current disunity demonstrates of how little we know and love you. Have mercy of us, Lord, have mercy on me.
“Every nation, tribe, people and tongue” (Rev.7:9) doesn’t just describe our origin, but also our forever. You haven’t called us to the uniformity of externals, but to “the unity of the Spirit”—the unity the Holy Spirit has created by uniting us to you, Lord Jesus. Until you return and glorify us, we will see some things quite differently as your people. But how we handle those differences is as critical as the differences themselves. Help us Jesus. When we must divide over essentials, it is essential that we do so in love.
On the Day you do return, Jesus, I envision a beautiful tidal wave of humility washing over your impossible-to-count, every-nation bride. For each of us will discover how much more glorious and loving you are than we ever imagined. We will realize that whatever our theological tradition, particular denominational tribe, and place in the history of redemption—all of us knew maybe 3% of your truth, goodness, and beauty.
We will be humbled then; humble us more now, Jesus. We will see you as you are and we will be made like you. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.