What can we learn about unity from "they do not jostle one another"? The Scene in Joel 2:8 “They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks.” (Joel 2:8) What Immediately Stands Out • The verse describes a vast, disciplined army—often understood as a locust swarm—moving with perfect coordination. • No one pushes, collides, or crowds another. • Every soldier (or insect) keeps to his God-appointed path. • Their unity is so thorough that even obstacles cannot scatter them. Timeless Principles of Unity • Unity begins with shared purpose. The army advances under a single command; believers rally under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 4:15–16). • Unity safeguards order. Staying in one’s lane prevents confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • Unity magnifies strength. Moving together, they “burst through defenses,” accomplishing what scattered individuals never could (Ecclesiastes 4:12). • Unity demands self-restraint. “They do not jostle”; each chooses cooperation over self-assertion (Philippians 2:3–4). • Unity honors God’s design. Even locusts, “having no king, yet all of them march in rank” (Proverbs 30:27), reflect the Creator’s order; how much more should God’s people. Practical Ways to “Not Jostle” Today • Keep the mission in view—proclaiming the gospel and building up the church (Matthew 28:19–20). • Respect one another’s gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:4–27). • Submit to scriptural authority rather than personal preference (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Speak truth in love, avoiding rivalry or envy (Ephesians 4:25, 31–32). • Pursue peace proactively: forgive quickly, reconcile eagerly (Colossians 3:13–15). Supporting Passages • Psalm 133:1 — “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Acts 2:46 — “They broke bread from house to house and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” • 1 Corinthians 1:10 — “…be perfectly united in mind and conviction.” • Philippians 1:27 — “Stand firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith of the gospel.” The Takeaway When God’s people move forward without “jostling,” honoring one another’s place and purpose, the result is a powerful, unstoppable testimony of divine order and grace—just as vivid and compelling as the disciplined ranks described in Joel 2:8. |
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