In one way or another, Jesus and the apostle Paul often emphasized the need for objective assessment as to where we are in terms of defining reality, meaningful trends, discerning response to the times, etc.
There is, of course, a sense in which questions of this nature are ongoing and thus, given the limitations of present knowledge and comprehension, await full resolution. At the same time, there are areas of specificity from which we are to draw meaningful insight and direction. Noting a common ability to predict the weather as based on observable evidences, Jesus once asked, "How is it that you cannot interpret the present time?" (Luke 12:54-56). Simply stated, there are some things that are meant to be grasped.
We have frequently commented in these lines that: 1.) Jesus' last recorded prayer was for unity among his followers (John 17:20-26); and that, 2.) In prophesying a climaxing fulfillment of divine purpose within the Body of Christ, Paul first addresses the issue of "unity of the faith" (Eph. 4:11-16; 5:27). Given such, it unavoidably becomes an important issue.
We would submit that the fulfilling of such objective will finds its roots, not within the higher echelons of ecclesial politics and agenda - (a wise man having once noted that, "God does not anoint machinery; God anoints men") - but rather among the committed of a primarily lay level. Is it not here that meaningful moves of the Spirit have generally found both impetus and meaningful response? We would suggest that such is already beginning to find expression on some levels.
Can we discern the times?
Burl Ratzsch
