Following this introductory paragraph is a transcript of vocal ministry that I gave at Seekers’ Haven Worship Group this past Sunday, October 11, 2026 (clindes@yourfriendinchrist.net). Several Friends already had offered ministry on the subject of unity prior to my speaking. I understood that one of the meetings participating as a group in these Zoom gatherings is experiencing some difficulty, though I am not privy to the particulars. This may be just as well, as traveling ministers among earlier generations of Friends sometimes avoided learning the details of meeting conflicts, so that their ministry would not be shaped by them, nor be suspected of arising from them. What follows is a record of ministry drawn from the spiritual reality that informs gospel order:
When Jesus was facing the crucifixion, his disciples tried to persuade him that it was not necessary. He responded by saying “the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” [Jn 18:11] One may wonder why he was given such an onerous task to complete. He had taught, but the words weren’t reaching the witness within, for the most part. He needed to act: not just know the words of the tradition [nor solely preach the Word]. And he needed to act in a way that was contrary to what he would have wanted, had he followed his own will.
That is the example that we have. That is the requirement for unity. Genuine unity. For our God is One. And to set aside all the circumstances that draw us into willful action is the requirement, is the cross. For when these are set aside, then the way will open for God’s will to prevail. When God’s will prevails in one or two or three, those few will be in unity. We pray that His “will be done in earth as it is in heaven” [Matt 6:10]. Let us act within ourselves to ensure that that is a true request.
The Crucifixion, 1627, Francisco de Zurbaran, The Art Institute of Chicago
