One Story, One People, One Mission

In my opinion, One by U2 is the greatest song of the 20th century. That's a big statement, I know. But seriously, listen to this and tell me it's not awesome:

It strikes me that this could be a theme for the people of God.  There is a distinct theme of oneness in the Scriptures.  Ephesians puts it this way:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

(Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV)

This is a great summary of the teaching of "one".  Paul highlights this core teaching because it is central to our identity as Christians and it is central to maintaining the authority of Scripture.

I think I would summarize it this way, "One story, one people, one mission."

There is one story.  The story of the God of the universe actively pursuing his glory. In the midst of this story we find heartbreak, promises, love, joy, sadness, and redemption. This story is the overarching story.  There are many mini stories that make up the chapters of this larger story. We see a Father pursuing his child. We find stories of exile and redemption. We experience a bridegroom sacrificing for his bride.

There is one people. These are the chosen people of God.  They were hand picked by him from before the world began. These people come from every tongue, tribe, and nation.  These people are called the sons of Abraham. They are people who live by faith not by sight.  They are people who have come to the end of themselves and found themselves to be wanting.  They are people who though dead have been made alive. These are the people of God, one people, from the beginning.

There is one misson. This one people of God who find themselves in the midst of the one story of God find that they are on a single mission from God. This mission is like nothing that they have experienced before.  It is not about what they should be doing or not doing.  It is not about rules, laws, or legalism.  It is not about going close or going far.  It is about finding in their daily lives that they are to be pursuing the very same thing that their God is pursuing - his glory.  In doing so they live, act, and do things differently. They become a people concerned about what their God is concerned about.  They become a people who press out locally, regionally, and globally joining their God at every turn.

Some may argue that God works differently with his people at different times.  They may argue that certain people are more special to God than others.  They may state that there is a great distinction between the first 39 and the last 27 books of the Scriptures.  I would encourage these people to take a step back and consider Ephesians 4:1-6 and then go listen to a little U2.