To many Israelis, he was one of the last of the founding soldiers and statesmen, from the original settlers, and will be honoured as such. But to Palestinians and others, who recall the killings in the Lebanese refugee camps, he was a brutal tyrant.
The deep divisions in the Central African Republic, and in Southern Sudan continue to deliver terrible suffering and hatred.
Closer to home, and yet with profound consequences, the Conservative Party is again deeply divided about Europe, and this story looks like running and running.
In all these situations, some wise leaders may well see that it is important to work for stable and justly based unity. But how can unity be found?
In many respects, the world-wide Christian community is also deeply divided, and yet we all know that Jesus prayed that his followers would be deeply united. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.' (John 17.20-21)
The unity for which Jesus prays is not just a convenient functional unity, but one which is deeply rooted in the nature of God. When we are far from God, and trying to run our lives for our own convenience and to meet our own selfish desires, then it is not surprising that we can find many things over which to argue and fight.
But once we have started to follow Jesus, and have become children of God, then our very nature is changed, and we discover new desires. And that profound new life-change leads us to be praying and working towards that unity for which Jesus himself prayed.
In all the troubles and tragedies we see in the world around us, let us also pray for Christians from all backgrounds to grow to be more profoundly united. The consequence of that will be more open to seeing the hand of God at work in Jesus and through us.
Best wishes,
Richard
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