The world’s tallest statute is a 600-foot homage to Patel, a man who “unified” India. He was a “champion” in gaining India’s independence from Britain and is credited with uniting 565 governing states in India. Yet, under so-called unity, India is well known for its caste system, subjecting its lower class to the highest rate of prostitution and the highest rate of violence in the world. In India, current reports show 54% of their women being physically assaulted, 43% with domestic violence, and 23% experiencing the onslaught of rape. Many cases are not reported due to keeping a culture unified.
In this week’s study of Shelech L’Cha, we witness a different type of social pressure. Moses sends out spies to view the land promised to Israel. After viewing the land, two spies were convinced that YHWH would give them the land, while 10 were certain of its impossibility. Judging from the crowd’s response, I think Joshua and Caleb experienced a bit of peer pressure to change their story. Maybe it went something like this, “Hey, Joshua and Caleb, get on board with the rest of us spies! You know the land will devour us, for we are not able to go up against the people for they are too strong for us.” Stop causing a problem, the people are all on our side. Don’t divide us, join us.”
This leads me to a question. When does being unified for the sake of a group, become a strength?
We all know that unity can do many good things. A unified group of soldiers can overcome mighty odds if they fight for a similar mission. Churches that are united in outreach programs can feed, clothe, and house thousands who are in need. Families unified in their respect towards each other experience wholesome growth. Couples who agree to stay married through thick and thin learn to listen and grow. Unity means to be in harmony or of one accord while attaining a goal. But does that mean everyone within a certain group needs to believe the same thing to achieve unity?
We know ranges of thought on any given topic can cause people to think outside the box or at least cause them to look into the box. In the Bible, it’s called “iron sharpening iron.” Contrary opinions to our beliefs can lead to further study to clarify a position. In the Bible, the daughters of Korah asked for property ownership, and by seeking answers through thoughtful questions they achieved it. The Apostle Paul didn’t agree eye to eye with some of the disciples but was given the mission of going to the Gentiles. Also, many people in King David’s kingdom wanted David killed for his sin of committing adultery and murder, but David stayed the course through repentance and accepted his verdict to be healed which slowly began the process of being united once again.
So, when does unity become a stumbling block? Probably the most extreme example is found in John 11:49-50:
“But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor are you taking into account that it is in your best interest that one man die for the people and that the whole nation not perish instead.”
Regrettably, because of this attempt to “unify” a nation, the Jewish leadership plotted against Messiah. Yeshua had forewarned of false unity in the parable of the wicked tenants found in Matthew 21: 33-46. In the parable, the householder plants a vineyard and then tries to gather the wine that belongs to him by sending servants and finally his son. The tenants of the property killed each one. After telling the story, Yeshua said:
“Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected
has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of Yah will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.”
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.
Please don’t misunderstand me, when I am quoting from The Word. I believe this parable applies to more than just the Pharisees. Yes, the Gospels are full of Yeshua’s efforts to change the direction of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He desired to save all. In my estimation, this parable applies to anyone or any group who seeks unity on their own accord and not through the Father. The Catholic church sought unity by burning heretics who opposed their efforts to unify religions. World wars have been fought over the idea of unifying powers. Unity based on the concept of power is not a good thing. I think we can agree we are all susceptible.
The Apostle Peter’s words in The Book of Acts called for people to come out of the deluge of apathy which had ignored the free will offering given by the Lamb of God. And on that day, thousands repented for what the “leadership” had done. The death and resurrection of the Messiah seek to pardon us all if we can only accept it. This includes Jews, Gentiles, slaves, men, and women.
(In a shameless plug, I would like to recommend the podcast “One for Israel” I think you will be blessed.)
In my humble estimation, I believe fear affects unity negatively. Moses led Israel out of Egypt with the sole promise of entering a promised land. But when finally confronted, Israel got scared. Even after seeing the mighty hand of Yahweh at work, they doubted Him when faced with giants three times their size. They “lifted up their voices and cried, and wept that night.” They grumbled against Moses and went down “memory” lane, moaning that it would have been better to die in Egypt than in the wilderness. They worried about the giants plundering their wives and children. They even sought to replace Moses as leader. (Num. 14:1-4). In this case, “they” became unified in fear and were not unified in faith. Have you ever wondered what might have happened if they had all stopped complaining and started to pray and fast instead?
Fear seemed to also be a guiding trait for the Jewish leadership when they faced the Messiah. Their perception of His seven woes against them was a direct attack against their claim to the seat of Moses (Matt. 23). Their position of authority was being contested by the words of a carpenter who grew up in Nazareth. They heard Him speak to large crowds saying, “You have heard it said, but I tell you this.” In short, this Messiah by the name of Yeshua was challenging the very “glue” that was seemingly keeping the house of Israel together. Therefore, according to Caiaphas, for the sake of unity, this self-proclaimed Messiah must die.
Our study this week is called Shelach L’cha or “Send for Yourself.” What does this mean exactly? For me, the concept of send for yourself can also mean “view for yourself.” I believe Yahweh wants us to weigh what we see or hear alongside His promises; alongside His Words. In doing so, our faith walk will become stronger.
At the men’s retreat this weekend I was given the text of Colossians 3:17 which says:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of Adonai, Yeshua, giving thanks to Elohim the Father through Him.”
To me, this text personifies the “unifying glue” that keeps us on target. It’s one of the majors for us to be focused on. For if I am crying out for unity, but my cry is based on fear, self-protection, or even self-projection I will miss a huge opportunity to experience the gifts of YHWH. For it is only through His Name we become unified. He is The One that protects, guides, nourishes, directs, and conquers. So let us bow before Him–seeking His Will in our lives as well as events in this world.
The apostle Paul warns the early church about the perils of unbelief. He reminds the church to “hold fast in confidence and the boast of hope until the end. (Heb.3:6). He quotes Psalms 93 and 95.
“Today if you hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me. As in the day of trial in the wilderness where your fathers tried Me by testing Me.”
Hebrews 3:7-8.
My friends, we no longer have the luxury of being apathetic in our belief. The world would have us build idols around the works of men such as what we see in India (though this is just a small example). But the works of men are imperfect. Others cry for unity to appease the hearts of men (whose hearts are exceedingly wicked) while failing to be unified with Christ.
If you are a seeker of unity, I would challenge you to praise Him in all you say and do. Share His testimony. Practice the fruits of the Spirit. Trust Yahweh in all things. This includes the big battles—the ones you believe are impossible to win. For when we grumble and complain about where we are and what we are called to do, we do so against the One who has promised us life even in the most testing of times. There is no fear in Him—only Unity.
Be Blessed,
Rollyn