The Daily Devotional
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Unity in Spirit
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Unity in Spirit
But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!”
Numbers 11:29
Introduction
In Numbers 11:29, we find a powerful expression of God's desire for unity and shared purpose among His people. This scripture speaks to us today, just as it did in the time of Moses, inspiring a vision of collective ministry and service. Let's explore this through the story of Xochitl and her journey with a group of Christian children's book writers.
Reflection
Xochitl and her colleagues in the Christian children's book community demonstrate a profound understanding of unity and collaboration as reflected in Numbers 11:29. Initially labeled as "foolish" for partnering with those seen as rivals, their joint efforts have come to represent a kingdom-minded approach, transcending the typical framework of competition. By supporting and promoting each other's work, they engage in a collective act of devotion, unified not by personal gain but by a shared mission to spread the gospel. This commitment has not only strengthened their community bonds but has also significantly expanded the reach and impact of their collective witness for Christ.
This spirit of collaboration mirrors the biblical narrative of Moses and the seventy elders. When God instructed Moses to appoint experienced leaders, He assured him of sharing the spirit bestowed upon Moses with these elders, so they could jointly shoulder the responsibilities of guiding the people (Numbers 11:16-17). Later, when Joshua witnessed two elders prophesying and sought to restrict them, Moses' response, "Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them" (v. 29), underlines a desire for widespread spiritual empowerment. This ancient story and the modern journey of Xochitl and her peers both emphasize the transformative power of shared purpose and divine guidance in transcending individual limitations and advancing a united mission.
Application
In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from Xochitl's story. We are often faced with the temptation to view our peers as competitors, especially in fields where recognition and success seem paramount. However, by embracing a spirit of collaboration and community, we align ourselves more closely with God's vision for His people. Like the seventy elders in Moses' time, we can share the spiritual and practical burdens of our ministries, magnifying our impact for Christ.
Conclusion
The harmonious collaboration of Xochitl and her peers in their writing ministry powerfully illustrates the effectiveness of working in unity under the Holy Spirit's guidance. Their experience serves as a vibrant example of how collective efforts, rooted in a kingdom-focused mindset, not only amplify individual talents but also significantly enhance the overall impact for Christ. Their story encourages us to resist the divisive lures of competition and comparison, leaning instead on the Holy Spirit for strength and direction. In embracing a leadership style that prioritizes God's kingdom values, we find not only a broader dissemination of the gospel but also a lightening of our individual burdens through shared service and purpose.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspiring example of Xochitl and her fellow authors. Help us to see beyond the limitations of competition and embrace the fullness of Your spirit in our lives and ministries. May we always remember that we are part of a larger body, united in Christ to spread Your gospel. Instill in us a heart for collaboration, that we may serve You more effectively and reach more souls for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
In Numbers 11:29, we find a powerful expression of God's desire for unity and shared purpose among His people. This scripture speaks to us today, just as it did in the time of Moses, inspiring a vision of collective ministry and service. Let's explore this through the story of Xochitl and her journey with a group of Christian children's book writers.
Reflection
Xochitl and her colleagues in the Christian children's book community demonstrate a profound understanding of unity and collaboration as reflected in Numbers 11:29. Initially labeled as "foolish" for partnering with those seen as rivals, their joint efforts have come to represent a kingdom-minded approach, transcending the typical framework of competition. By supporting and promoting each other's work, they engage in a collective act of devotion, unified not by personal gain but by a shared mission to spread the gospel. This commitment has not only strengthened their community bonds but has also significantly expanded the reach and impact of their collective witness for Christ.
This spirit of collaboration mirrors the biblical narrative of Moses and the seventy elders. When God instructed Moses to appoint experienced leaders, He assured him of sharing the spirit bestowed upon Moses with these elders, so they could jointly shoulder the responsibilities of guiding the people (Numbers 11:16-17). Later, when Joshua witnessed two elders prophesying and sought to restrict them, Moses' response, "Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them" (v. 29), underlines a desire for widespread spiritual empowerment. This ancient story and the modern journey of Xochitl and her peers both emphasize the transformative power of shared purpose and divine guidance in transcending individual limitations and advancing a united mission.
Application
In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from Xochitl's story. We are often faced with the temptation to view our peers as competitors, especially in fields where recognition and success seem paramount. However, by embracing a spirit of collaboration and community, we align ourselves more closely with God's vision for His people. Like the seventy elders in Moses' time, we can share the spiritual and practical burdens of our ministries, magnifying our impact for Christ.
Conclusion
The harmonious collaboration of Xochitl and her peers in their writing ministry powerfully illustrates the effectiveness of working in unity under the Holy Spirit's guidance. Their experience serves as a vibrant example of how collective efforts, rooted in a kingdom-focused mindset, not only amplify individual talents but also significantly enhance the overall impact for Christ. Their story encourages us to resist the divisive lures of competition and comparison, leaning instead on the Holy Spirit for strength and direction. In embracing a leadership style that prioritizes God's kingdom values, we find not only a broader dissemination of the gospel but also a lightening of our individual burdens through shared service and purpose.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspiring example of Xochitl and her fellow authors. Help us to see beyond the limitations of competition and embrace the fullness of Your spirit in our lives and ministries. May we always remember that we are part of a larger body, united in Christ to spread Your gospel. Instill in us a heart for collaboration, that we may serve You more effectively and reach more souls for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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