This was a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones over 50 years ago. It really expresses the truth that often our goals can outstrip our reach. I think many of us have felt this over the course of this pandemic. There have been so many unknowns in the midst of it all and it has kept us all off balance and it has been a very difficult time to navigate and seek the truth.
The Father's prayer for us is that we would be one with him, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit. It is not for the purpose of 'having my prayers answered,' but that through prayer I may come to discern his mind and his purpose for me and that together we would experience unity. I think it's easier for us to find ways to be divided and we need to seek what really brings us together.
John 17:11
"Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one"
If we're able to learn what it means to experience oneness then the tightening grip of self absortion needs to be lost on us. We have to learn what it means to put others first and steer towards kindness. We must be guided by his grace and strengthened in our resolve together to follow him. We need to keep our heart pure, keep ourselves from being distracted by what polarizes us and learn what it means to stay in tune with him together. This is especially true when it has everything to do with the gospel, God's love and the incredible sacrifice of Jesus paying for our forgiveness on the cross. This message is more important than any issue we face.
Moving forward with the gospel, we need to learn what reliance looks like on the resurrection life of Jesus. The prayer is, Father, allow me to be in complete oneness with your purposes. Teach me that reliance means often moving away from what is common sense to intuition that comes from the Holy Spirit!
For the song goes on to say but if you try sometimes, you just might get what you need. This is a huge trust factor that in the midst of all this uncertainty the Jesus can you give us exactly what we need. It is His tangible presence in us through the whole mess.
When we learn to joyfully waive our rights to the Lord, God can use us incredibly well. We can serve from a place of freedom that we have in Christ. This freedom is that I learn simply not to take offense. It is especially difficult when you are challenged in a negative way. The deeper question needs to be, "where is this coming from?" It is often not the person, but more so from a spirit of fear and anxiety. When I know this, I have more patience and understanding and I can bless and serve others in spite of it.
When I have took time to listen to the Lord I sense God saying Jack, my son, keep training yourself in My gym! Continue to pursue godliness, be strong in the Lord, pursue unity, harmony, love and faithfulness. Continue to break free from selfish thoughts and ways so that my righteousness can breakthrough like the noonday sun. "By your patience, you will possess your soul." Luke 21:16-19 really displays how difficult relationships can be when you make the decision to follow Jesus. In essence, He is saying to us, make My relationship the dominating focus of your life.
I believe it starts as we start slowing down and start noticing what He is already doing. The question always is whether we are paying enough attention to see it, it is an acute awareness and we absolutely need the Holy Spirit. It's time to end the lockdown of our souls and break free!
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