Today's Scripture
No limits Mark 9:38-41
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
RJ's Devotion
What does the passage say?
V. 38 John, Jesus’ disciple, asks what to do when someone, outside of their group, does ministry in the name of Christ.
V. 39-41 Jesus says, even though they might do it differently, as long as they are doing it in the name of Jesus, he tells them to let them do what they are called to do.
What does this passage say to me/us?
It is surprising to see that even in the time of Jesus there was a strong mentality of belonging. This was a question of whether or not the people belonged. Jesus says, “Don’t stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down” (V. 39 The Message). As long it was done in Christ’s name, it is good.
This is a reminder that we, as Christians, have to do everything in the name of Christ.
Our actions might be different, as long as it is done for the sake of our Lord, we need to let them do what they are called to do.
It is acknowledging the differences and learning to live united.
Maybe this is what we need to learn in our denomination.
Maybe this is what we need to learn in this nation.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live for your namesake. Help us to see unity in diversity, as we are faithful to your name.
In Christ, we pray, AMEN
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.