God Works Through Unlikely Partnerships
Saturday’s Verse:
From Psalm 133:1 ESV
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
In a culture whose public life is often shaped by anger, suspicion, and frustration, it was a welcome relief to see the hopeful meeting yesterday between President Donald Trump and New York City’s soon-to-be mayor, Zohran Mamdani. For those few minutes, we were able to see two men representing completely opposing views meet, talk, and walk away with a good word for each other.
We like to say we are not surprised by politics or politicians. But we still like it when politicians surprise us and do a little good.
For Christians, politicians are not our savior. Christ is our Redeemer, our Lord. But we do pray for them (indeed, the Bible commands us to do so) “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). So when a political leader or two find a point of agreement with one another, or speak peaceably to each other even for a few minutes, it is a gift from God for the sake of the people they represent and lead.
For those of us who care about the health of our society, such moments are a reminder that unity (real unity)—not a unity that avoids truth or sweeps differences under the rug—is, in fact, possible.
Real unity starts with treating other human beings with the dignity they deserve as image-bearers of God. It means prioritizing the common good. It means even when we disagree on policy and political direction, we do so in peaceful conversation and not in shouting matches.
Psalm 133 says that unity is “good and pleasant.” It is not “good and pleasant” because it makes our differences disappear. But it is “good and pleasant” because it is a glimpse of God’s heart for His creation. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Every time a political leader or two find a point of agreement with one another, or speak peaceably to each other even for a few minutes, they are giving us a glimpse (however dim) of what God is aiming at for society: people who care for one another and work together for the good of all.
And if this is true for society at large, it is all the more true for the Church. We can take the unity that only Christ can provide and point others to it: unity grounded in grace, unity shaped by repentance and forgiveness, unity sustained by Christ’s love poured out at the cross.
May this moment—simple, pleasant, unexpected—cause us to pray all the more for our leaders with hope renewed. For our God works even through the most unlikely partnerships, the shortest meetings, and the smallest surprises of goodwill.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, we are thankful for times of tranquility and benevolence in our civic affairs. Bless President Trump and Mayor-elect Mamdani, and all others in public service. Grant them insight, humility, and a conciliatory spirit for the betterment of all. Make us ambassadors of peace in our own neighborhoods and cities, reflecting the oneness we have only in Christ Jesus. In His holy name we pray.Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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