From Many, One

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

I Corinthians 12:13

The Holy Spirit makes one from many.  Our text points this out in a very graphic way.  He describes the general composition of the ancient world. He reflects his own cultural background when he speaks of ‘Jews and Greeks.’  What he is describing is how a person of his culture would view the society of the ancient world.  There were the Jews, and everyone else, as described by the term, ‘Greeks’ or ‘Gentiles.’  The ancient world also consisted of ‘slaves or free.’  Once again, this is a broad description of ancient society.  Paul says that the Holy Spirit baptizes people from all of these broad categories into the Body of Christ.  Here is true unity from wide diversity.  It is a unity which brings together these widely diverse people into a united Body which will ultimately last for all eternity.  Christ is the Common Denominator in the lives of all these people.  What was true then is true now.  We live in a world of wide diversity.  What can bring unity into that world which will genuinely contribute to the promotion of what is good?  It will be our vital relation to Christ as we unify around Him and are in Him, as baptized by His Spirit.  We who are many will truly become one. 

Our Gracious Master and Our God,
we rejoice that Christ is the great unifier of His people.
We praise You that the Holy Spirit is constantly working
to bring us more thoroughly together,
until we gather around the throne of Grace.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning