Opening Thought
For brethren to dwell together in unity… is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion. (Psa 133:1.3)
Text: Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Devotion
If these beautiful things are found among you, Paul says to his beloved Philippians: consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and mercy, then wake up and grow in them more and more! The world has to live in discord, for the spirit of pride and selfishness separates and divides. But you who belong to Christ have received the Spirit of love and meekness who, wherever He counsels, joins hearts together in one mind and one intention; walk in this Spirit, and you will fulfill my joy.
Times get worse and worse the closer the end comes (2Ti 3:1ff); but there is always a fellowship of love on earth. If we have experienced at all “how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psa 133), then let us fulfill the Apostle’s joy. What am I saying: the Apostle’s joy? Yes, but even more the joy of our Lord and Savior! Let us walk in meekness, so that we consider others greater than ourselves, and in love, so that we do not seek our own. For Jesus’ sake, for the sake of your humble Savior consider others greater than yourself! Examine yourself, recognize your pride, and drive it out with the mind of Christ. And don’t live for yourself, but for Christ; seek what is best for others, be a joy to your brethren for their good: always practice love, ponder it, and grow in it! This is the sure bond that holds God’s people together, so that we do not fall away from each other into sects and divisions. There is only one Father and one family, one Lord and one kingdom of light, one Head and one Body, one house and one household. Shouldn’t we try to stay together then, shudder at the thought of being divided, and flee all partisan-spirits with dread? Isn’t it God’s own command that we should be one body (Eph 4:1ff; 1Co 1:10)? Didn’t Christ redeem us with His blood to gather us as one (Eph 2:16; Joh 17:21)? Everyone who establishes a sect acts contrary to God’s heart and Jesus’ cross, and, as much as he can, divides the body of Christ and the people of His Communion, whom Christ gathered around Himself the night in which He was betrayed. When Satan is able to divide us, then Christian people, who should be one Body of Christ everywhere, are divided into flocks that do not want to be together. O how God’s Spirit does not want that! And what a sad picture our disunity shows the world when we should be united by God in true love (Joh 17:23)! Is it then so remarkable that the Apostle says: “Fulfill my joy by living with one another in undisturbed fellowship of love”?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us Your humble and loving mind, and keep us together with the bond of perfection. We pray You sincerely: keep the devil from always dividing Your people, and unite all who can be united in the truth. Have mercy on us; have mercy, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Hymn
A building goes up stone by stone
Until they all become as one,
The greater equal with the small
To stand against the danger all;
So let us all be of one mind;
May God in us His Temple find.
And when this bond, as strong as heav’n,
O’er all the earth true reign is giv’n,
Then we shall grow in love toward God
And Jesus’ kingdom spread abroad,
And others join us day by day
In this blest fellowship for aye.
How little can we understand
How Satan will against us stand;
On each of us he tries his charm
To sow discord and cause us harm
Among the people of God’s Son
For then he thinks that he has won.
O Jesus, who came from above
To bring us peace and teach us love;
Spread forth Your kingdom far and wide;
Grant that we all as one abide,
That we among Your saints may be
In fellowship eternally.
Brorson: Hvor ser det ut i Verdens ørk L 474:9.11.12.15 tr. DeGarmeaux;
tune: Vater unser (ELH 383); alternate hymn: Christ alone is our salvation ELH 484