“Whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50b)
Sadly, there are Christian church denominations attended by people being taught that only their Christian denomination has the truth! Anyone else was a heretic. What a horrible thing to teach and believe among the Christian Church. But, that’s the deluding power of Satan as he works inside the church walls. He seeks to divide and conquer. Our sin nature is a natural battlefield for him.
And, we still live in a world where Pilate’s question, “What is truth?”, has so many answers that it’s hard to know where to begin. So how do we know what is truth? The old certainty has been challenged and changed in many situations. While we might believe our pastors, bishops and church teachings — although there is nothing wrong with questioning them — most people now are more open to what other churches (even religions in some cases) teach and believe.
I am not sure Jesus was thinking of the above situation when He said to His disciples, “Don’t stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you”. However, He was talking about a situation where the disciples wanted exclusivity. They had been performing miracles. It probably made them feel good and a little bit proud (see verse 46). We don’t want anyone else to do what we can do!
Jesus is clear. That is not the way of God. God can — and does — work through whomever He chooses. Consider the honor role of the Old Testament: Murderers, liars, cheats. Or think about the disciples themselves: Fishermen, tax collectors, betrayers. And God continues to work through whom and what He chooses.
God still continues to work through whom He chooses. Perhaps that is you with your interests, hobbies, gifts, and talents. Perhaps that is someone else with whom you surprisingly encounter the God of compassion and grace. Be open to God’s work in your life.
Prayer
Lord, lead me to come along side people I can share with in my daily walk. Let Your love be a mirror for all those around me, and let my word and action do nothing but bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
