Sermon On The Day's Unity

Charles Ives, an American composer once remarked: “A rare experience of a moment at daybreak, when something in nature seems to reveal all consciousness, cannot be explained at noon. Yet it is part of the day's unity.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 reminds us: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Unity is defined as the state of being united or joined as a whole. It can include an amalgamation of two or more commodities or functions which may remain distinct as solitary modules, or combined in purpose to make a partnership. The moon is known to be entirely separate from the sun and usually appears at different times during each day. Notably the sun in daylight and the moon at night. However, it is possible to see both the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time during the hours of daylight. The moon is renowned to have no illumination of its own, when we see the moon brightly shining in its silvery glow, we are viewing the reflection of light provided by the sun. Isaiah 30:26 confirms: “Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.”

The moon and the sun, despite periods of seclusion from one another, remain in strong partnership. A partnership often contains a unique and special bond that is difficult to separate. Without the sun, the moon would not be seen clearly, if at all. The moon is often regarded as a symbol of love and romance. Its unique attraction that sweethearts deem so idyllic, often increases or strengthens the unity between two people which can enhance romance or even an immeasurable love. Without any form of light, the moon would not be seen in its entirety or even as a crescent. However, it is much stronger and more important than one may consider. It not only triggers a largely controlling tidal force, but with the sun, their opposing gravitational pull work together to create a strong element of power over the sea to varying degrees. In addition, the moon also makes the earth a more liveable planet by moderating the sway on its axis as it spins, leading to a relatively more stable climate.

Family life is often a unity of two or more individuals living together. Its success and survival are dependent on harmony, consideration, trust and love. Such is the case in our unity with God. There is only one sun and only one moon. God expands that concept into one divine being in three. The Trinity is collectively known as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John 17:11-23 reminds us: “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”