“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ…for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27,28b

You and as many as were baptized into Christ are all one in Christ Jesus because He made us all one by design. This was not your idea nor mine. This is the will of God. Gathering His people together around His Word and Sacraments is also God’s will and design, not a mere human idea. We do this now and we will do this in eternity. Our Lord wants us to experience this oneness reality regularly and tangibly in the Divine Service where He calls us together to hear His Word, receive His Sacraments, pray, sing, and give thanks (cf. Romans 10:14; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 15:30; Psalm 30:4). 

You are one with the baptized in Christ. You are not independent or separated from Jesus or His Church. The Devil and the world would like you to believe that you do not need to gather with other believers, let alone to hear Christ’s Word, receive His Sacraments, pray, sing, or give thanks. This is an old lie to lead some of the baptized into isolation, away from Christ and the church, to suffer a slow spiritual death alone. 

Satan’s desire to draw the baptized away from Christ is obvious, but so is Christ’s victory over Satan obvious in His Resurrection. You are one in Christ who is seated far above all rule and authority and dominion. Satan has no power over you. However, Satan and the dark forces of the world are working to convince you that you are not one in Christ with the baptized, that you chose to be a part of His Church, that you do not need His Word and Sacraments, and that you can do whatever you want, even leave Jesus. While Satan cannot take you from Jesus, he can try to convince you to leave. 

Jesus wants you to remain in Him. Though the forces at work to draw us away are great, Jesus is greater. So, He calls you to gather where He will serve you together with the baptized through His Word and Sacraments, to keep you united with Him, and to increase your love for others. 

May your love for others impel you to invite them to Zion, especially those who have been drawn away, to tangibly experience oneness in Christ together with the baptized.