Broken Into One



"and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

1 Corinthians 11:24


This past week our church elders began a conversation that will culminate in a team teaching down the road in the not so distant future. As we pray and discuss personal holiness an article by John Collinson serves as a great reminder that the path of holiness often times includes brokenness. Though extremely painful when we are going through it, the end result truly is sweet as we come out on the other end looking more like our Savior.

I appreciate John Collinson’s words, “brokenness is not easy to define but can be clearly seen.” I share it with those of you today who are in the process of being “broken into one”. May your hearts be encouraged knowing the pain cannot compare to the glory that is one day going to be revealed both to you and in you!

This Is Brokenness, by John Collinson

"Sometimes it is asked what we mean by brokenness.  Brokenness is not easy to define but can be clearly seen in the reactions of Jesus, especially as He approached the cross and in His crucifixion. I think it can be applied personally in this way:

WHEN to do the will of God means that even my Christian brethren will not understand, and I remember that “Neither did His brethren believe in Him” (John 7:5), and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused but He “held His peace,” (Matthew 26:63) and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that they cried, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:18), and I bow my head and accept rejection, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by ambitions of others and I remember that Jesus allowed them to lead Him away to crucify Him (Matthew 27:31) and He accepted that place of failure, and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN in order to be right with my God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, and I remember that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation” and “humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8), and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and, treat my belongings as public property, and I remember “they stripped Him… and parted His garments, casting lots” (Matthew 27:28,35), and I bow my head and accept “joyfully the spoiling of my goods” for His sake, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN one acts towards me in an unforgivable way, and I remember that when He was crucified Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), and I bow my head and accept any behavior towards me as permitted by my loving Father, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

WHEN people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, and I remember that Jesus said, “This is My body which is given for you…” (Luke 22:19), and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others, THIS IS BROKENNESS."

What an awesome God we serve! And to think, loved one, He bids us to follow Him if we dare, to deny ourselves and pick up our Cross and follow Him daily on the road of brokenness, not to brokenness. The end result of brokenness is wholeness, holiness and when the Lord is done with us, it will be glorious, like nothing we ever imagined or thought was even possible. It is by far the road less traveled, the narrow and difficult way but oh the joy to know how we will look at the end of our journey, a reflection of the One whose image we were created in and for from the beginning. There really is nothing like being “broken into one”, loved one, nothing worthy this side of heaven that we can even compare. To God alone be the glory for the great things He has done and is doing in you! Don’t forget, you are His masterpiece, He’s not through with you yet!


"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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