“The logic of mathematics — where two is always two and never be one — was transcended by the logic of love. . . . Jesus prays for his followers, for the church, for all redeemed humanity, to become one. This is the ‘new math’ of God. Everything equals one.”- John Ortberg
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”- Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
John Ortberg concludes Chapter 2 of Everybody’s Normal . . . as he talks about the great invitation into the Fellowship of the Trinity. Hence, to gather in Jesus’ name applies to more than church services. Because in the Bible a person’s name generally reflects that person’s character and identity. Thus, when we gather in Jesus’ name, we relate to others with the same spirit of servanthood, submission, and delight characterizing Jesus in the Trinity.
Therefore, in community we experience fullness of heart. Otherwise, an empty heart closes in on itself. But in the divine community, the heart comes alive. Our hearts laugh and cry for the sheer joy of being loved.
Most significantly, John advises, this welcome into the inner circle comes at a great cost to every member of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit hold us in their heart.
Consequently, Pastor Ortberg finds it utterly unthinkable to tolerate disunity in the body of Christ. Above all, such a stance puts one fundamentally at odds with the purpose of God in human history. Certainly, this stance may be common in our world. However, God’s eyes never see this as normal.
In conclusion, John exhorts:
“The doctrine of the Trinity is honored when the oneness that characterizes it — the unity of the Spirit — is prized and guarded and revered by the one true church. . . . Whenever the unity of the Spirit is treated cavalierly, the Trinity is dishonored. . . . All day, in a million different ways . . . you and I are moving the world closer to God’s picture of shalom — peace — or moving it a little farther away.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you with the ‘new math’ of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Microwave friendship?”