Whoever is not against us is for us
by Craig Heidenreich
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Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward (Mark 9:41).
Read Mark 9:38–50
The apostle John is remembered as ‘the one whom Jesus loved’ and wrote letters full of instruction on how we should love – but he didn’t start out that way.
At one time, Jesus called him and his brother James ‘sons of thunder’ due to their fiery natures, after they got so cross with some Samaritans that they wanted them zapped.
Here again, John is objecting to someone Jesus chooses to commend. It’s encouraging to see how much John eventually gets transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. There’s hope for us yet!
In Mark 9, John is defending the exclusiveness of their group, which is a common attitude among Christians. We can learn from Jesus’ response when he says: ‘Whoever is not against us is for us!’
God is at work in places and people we might overlook if we limit things to our familiar group.
He is sovereign and mighty to save; we are not the only ones he uses.
We praise you, Father, for constantly working in the lives of people to defeat the enemy. Give us secure hearts so we can join you and not miss the connections you are providing. Amen.
Craig is married to Beverley. They have recently moved to Kapunda in South Australia after purchasing a ‘renovator’s delight’, which keeps Craig occupied most weekends. He says who needs to go to the gym when you can knock down some walls!
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