The Torah Network

3 yrs

YACHAD (UNITY)

Yachad in Hebrew means Unity - Togetherness. Whether it be an orchestra transformed from cacophony to symphony by composer’s score and conductor’s baton or an army led by a general’s battle plan, unity is created by a sense of common purpose and competent leadership. The Bible extols unity as the highest form of believer relationship - from marriage to the church. Through Ruach HaKodesh, great diversity becomes dynamic unity.

How Does The Bible Describe The Unity That Should Exist Between Believers?

Believer Unity Is Based On Each Person's Connection With Moshiach
[Yes, I am the Bread of Life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. However, the Bread from heaven gives eternal life to everyone who eats it. I am the Living Bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live forever; this Bread is My Flesh, offered so the world may live.] -- John 6:48-51. How can Yeshua give us His flesh as bread to eat? To eat living bread means to accept Moshiach into our life and become united with Him. We are united with Moshiach in two ways:

1 -- by believing in His death [the sacrifice of His flesh] and resurrection and
2 -- by devoting ourself to living as He requires, depending on His teaching for guidance and trusting in Ruach HaKodesh for power.

Yeshua'S Great Desire For His Disciples Was That They Would Become One.
[Now I am departing the world; I am leaving them behind and coming to you. Holy Father, keep them and care for them - all those You have given Me - so that they will be united just as we are.] -- John 17:11. Yeshua wanted His followers to be unified as a powerful witness to the reality of YHVH’s love. Are you helping to unify the body of Moshiach, the church? You can pray for other believers, avoid gossip, build others up, work together in humility, give your time and money, exalt Moshiach and refuse to get sidetracked arguing over divisive matters.

Believers Are Not Intended To Live Out There Faith In Isolation.
Yeshua prayed for unity among the believers based on the believers’ unity with Him and the Father. Believers can know unity among themselves if they are living in union with YHVH. For example, each branch living in union with the vine is united with all other branches doing the same (see John 15:1-15).

In Moshiach, Unity Has Been Made Possible, But It Has Not Yet Been Fully Achieved.
If the Gentiles were enriched because the Jews turned down YHVH’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when the Jews finally accept it.] -- Romans 11:12. Paul had a vision of a church where all Jews and Gentiles would be united in their love of YHVH and in obedience to Moshiach. While respecting YHVH’s Law, this ideal church would look to Moshiach alone for salvation. A person’s ethnic background and social status would be irrelevant -- see Galatians 3:28) - what mattered would be faith in Moshiach. But Paul’s vision has not yet been realized. Many Jewish people rejected the gospel. They depended on their heritage for salvation and they did not have the heart of obedience that was so important to the Old Testament prophets and to Paul. Once Gentiles became dominant in many of the believer churches, they began rejecting Jews and even persecuting them. Unfortunately, this practice has recurred through the centuries.

The Love Commanded By Moshiach Should Create Deep Unity Among Believers.
[I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding.] -- Philippians 1:9. Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the believers at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but also on the unity that comes when believers draw upon Moshiach’s Love. All believers are part of YHVH’s family and thus share equally in the transforming Power of His Love. Do you feel a deep love for fellow believers, friends and strangers alike? Let Moshiach’s Love motivate you to love other Believers and to express that love in your actions toward them.

Unity Ought To Be A Distinctive Mark Among Believers.
[Is there any encouragement from belonging to Moshiach? Any comfort from His Love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another and working together with one heart and purpose.] -- Philippians 2:1-2. Many people -- even believers - live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in Spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Moshiach’s example of putting others first and we experience unity. Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in YHVH’s family.