John 17:20-21 (New International Version)
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for
those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be
one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so
that the world may believe that you have sent me."
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher commemorates Golgotha
and the tomb where Jesus was laid and raised from the dead. It is assumed that
this Holy Sepulcher was built in 330 A.D, on the precise location of these very
events. And given this location, one would presume that this holy place would
be the breeding ground of love and unity, as promoted by the Risen One, Jesus,
Himself.
But is it really?
In this church reside the following four Christian
groups: Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Ottomans, and Coptics of
Egypt. All four of these denominations fight for this piece of real estate, and
the contest is so fierce that when the Coptic Church of Ethiopia lost its deed
to part of this church in a fire, they were demoted by the other denominations
to the rooftop. It is said that these Coptics don't dare leave the premises,
even for a moment, for fear of losing their property to the competitors, even
though the priests are exposed to the elements.
The fight for this property was so fierce that when
Saladin entered the city of Jerusalem more than 840 years ago, he had no choice
but to give the key of this place to a neutral party: a Muslim. Even today, the
key remains in the possession of a Muslim named Abu Joudea. Supposedly this is
the oldest key in the world!
Jesus' birthplace, five miles from the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher, is under the authority of the Hamas. The walls of the Manger square
are pitted with bullet holes.
I wonder if we have forgotten what Jesus came for:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
(Luke 23:34 NIV)
We need to ask ourselves what drives us. If we are
uncertain which way we are heading, let's contemplate the fruit we have brought
forth so far and consider if they are pleasing to God, for: "By their
fruit you will recognize them." (Matt 7:16 NIV)
Unity, stemming out from love, is not just a convenience
that can be neglected. It is our reality when we let Jesus shine in our hearts.
Who has the key of your heart?
Dear Lord we pray today that we would give You complete
control of our heart. We give you the key to our heart so nothing else can have
control over it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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