The Need of Our Hour

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The Need of Our Hour—Unity

November 26, 2007

By Marjorie Kinnee

None of the headline news we see (in the world or in the church) comes as a surprise to God.

His plan and purpose is on course and on target. His focus has not changed. His power has not waned. He is not asleep. He is not shocked by our mediocrity or dismayed by our lack of faith. He is prepared for every eventuality and has already overcome them all.

He has no other plan than the Church. At the outset, He committed the gospel to faithful men. It has ever been thus and is no less true today. This is what this generation needs to grasp and embrace. Faithful men serving a faithful God; who neither wavers, waffles, waters down, or weakens.

Biblical Leadership
All Israel gathered together at Hebron to crown David as their king. It was a time of great rejoicing as David recounted the amazing feats and victories of his loyal followers. On this great day, no one was left out. Those who followed Saul were also an important part of the celebration. Scripture speaks of the children of Issachar and Zebulon: “Men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” And, they ”could keep rank: they were not of double heart,” (I Chronicles 12:32-33).

Two principles emerge:

The leadership understood the times they were dealing with and knew what the entire group ought to do. This speaks of organization, unity among the leaders, and apparent (visible, clear) wisdom.
Everyone else was willing to set aside their particular agendas and follow their leadership. They kept rank and were not double-minded. This speaks of a corresponding single-minded unity in the ranks as well.

All Israel came together to make David king, but Issachar knew ahead of time what ought to be done.

Under Issachar’s leadership, they and the tribe of Zebulon brought “bread, meat, figs, raisins, wine, oil, oxen and sheep abundantly.” Think about it—they were prepared to “feed” an entire nation! And the result was “There was joy in Israel” (I Chronicles 12:40).

Same Message, Different Leadership
Fast forward several hundred years to Nehemiah’s day—it was a time of repentance, rebuilding and receiving the Word as the remnant regathered and renewed their vows to each other and the Lord.

There was unity.

Both the leadership and the people “had a mind to work.” As the work was completed, Nehemiah called for a national celebration with feasting. He instructed them to “send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared” (Nehemiah 8:10). Again, comes the message—wisdom understands the times and makes preparation. This, in turn, enables them to feed the multitude. And the result was “great joy and rejoicing” and, “the joy of the Lord” was their strength!

New Testament Unity
Fast forward several hundred more years to the Day of Pentecost—120 gather in obedience.

They’re in one accord and in one place. There is unity.

Fortified with the teachings and commands of Jesus and synergized by the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, they are now prepared to “feed” the multitudes.

First, 3,000; then, above 5,000, and they continued to multiply—as the world took note “that they had been with Jesus.” They went everywhere preaching the Word. Before long, it was said that they had “turned the world upside-down.” And the result? Great power, great grace, great boldness, many signs and wonders, the Word of God grew and multiplied and was published abroad, and they “were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost!”

ninetyandnine.com

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Marjorie Kinnee serves as managing editor of the Apostolic Writers’ Digest, has been a part of the family of God for longer than some of you are old, submits articles, and writes incessantly. Some of her primary readers, especially of cards and notes, are her two daughters, nine grandchildren and 16 nieces and nephews.