SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:38-41
Whose team are you on: Christian Reformed, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Associated Gospel?
Too often we divide into camps, and treat others as if they are not one of us.
Jesus points out that it is not our differences that divide us, but our connection to Jesus that unites us.
This reminds me of what happened when Joshua met the commander of God’s army (Jesus?) near Jericho:
When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him. The man was holding a sword. He was ready for battle. Joshua went up to him. He asked, “Are you on our side? Or are you on the side of our enemies?” “I am not on either side,” he replied. “I have come as the commander of the Lord’s army.” (Joshua 5:13-14)
When Jesus speaks of ‘anyone who is not against us’, He means anyone who is for Him.
Sad to say many who are for Him do work against us, and we work against them.
Our focus needs to be Jesus, and it is the Name of Jesus that unites us.
But what if their ideas about Jesus are wrong?
I used to think this was a problem, but now I recognize Jesus’ Name as stronger than our ideas about that Name.
He will sort through those who are saying ‘Lord, Lord’ yet not doing what He commands.
For our part, anyone who uses the Name of Jesus with respect and submission is (1) opening themselves to the power and presence of Jesus, and (2) allowing the presence and power of Jesus to work through them.
I’ve even come to believe that when Muslims name and respect Jesus (merely as a Prophet), they are actually unleashing the presence and power of Jesus, and advancing His glory over Mohammed.
There is power in the Name of Jesus, and He is not serving our cause or religion or denomination or church; He is the Commander and we are serving His purpose!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for making myself the Judge, deciding who is for You and who is against You. You are the Commander, and the only question is whether we are on Your side. You will be the Judge of that one!
Whoever is not against us is for us. It is interesting to me how I have often understood this as the opposite. I have heard this as if you are not for us, you’re against us. The way this statement is presented in this verse is much more inclusive. You can be indifferent, but as long as you are not against us, it is ok. In today’s context, we may feel that our own circle of Christian friends is where God is moving, but we need to accept that God works through all kinds of people, and groups, and churches, and his kingdom work is being done in a huge way.
Doing small things, like getting someone a glass of water, will be rewarded. We don’t normally do things for a payback, but getting along, being at peace with one another, and looking out for each other is part of what being a follower of Jesus is all about. Random acts of kindness will be rewarded.
I pray that as I see needs around, that the cup of water that I give will be helpful. I pray that I can be accepting of others, as they are part of your kingdom.
Observations/Application
Inclusive and not exclusive.
The disciples saw others casting out demons. They were not one of them. How was that possible?
There are many who do the Lord’s work, also today. All those who proclaim Christ Jesus are His kingdom builders. No one has a monopoly on that. All too often today we think that the only way to Jesus is our way. Praise Him Who uses many people, denominations to proclaim the Good News.
Prayer
Make Your people messengers of the Good News Lord so that they all may hear. Open wide our hearts and receive others who are different than we ourselves. Make us accepting of one another for we all are Your disciples.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.