PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 9:46-50
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“We tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” (Luke 9:49)
The disciples are eager to elevate themselves over others.
To see ourselves as greater, we distinguish ourselves from others.
In my previous church, non-christians supported our work.
As we blessed others for Jesus’ sake, they were helping us.
But if they were “not one of us”, should we refuse their help?
The help of non-Christians has nothing to do with ‘being saved’.
Our good works have nothing to do with our ‘being saved’ either.
God is working in us and them; we’re no better, they’re no worse.
This help from others is a sign of God’s grace working in them too.
We need to stop elevating and separating ourselves from others.
Jesus has other sheep, not of our flock (John 10:16).
Some non-Christians seem more Christlike than Christians.
I’m convinced this is God at work and we need to celebrate it!
They are not far from the kingdom (Mark 12:34); don’t push them away!
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see your grace at work in others, to welcome and celebrate your goodness evident in them.
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” That is a different ‘lens’ to look through when I consider others. I have Muslim and Buddhists friends – they also seek for God. In that sense they are the same journey I am. It is important that we appreciate each other’s desire, especially when it is a sincere desire to know God. Jesus teaches me to see them as ‘for’ us. Many devout Muslims are like that. Help me also to see it in the homeless person who I have the privilege to talk to – to see them on the same journey – help me find ways to help them and in that way be like Jesus to them. They are not against us! They are there for us to serve!
The argument of the disciples reminded me of the kid’s game – king of the castle. Being better, stronger and being the king of the hill. I am also reminded of the passage – as far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind. My attitude must be Christ like in all I do and say – being an instrument of His peace – living for Jesus. Others need to see Jesus in me, being an instrumen
1 Jesus calls the children dear,
“Come to me, and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.”
Refrain:
Jesus loves the little children,
all the children of the world,
All the children of the earth,
they are precious from their birth,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
2 Jesus is the Shepherd true,
And He’ll always stand by you,
For He loves the little children of the world;
He’s a Savior great and strong,
And He’ll shield you from the wrong,
For He loves the little children of the world. [Refrain]
3 I am coming, Lord, to Thee,
And Thy soldier I will be,
For He loves the little children of the world;
And His cross I’ll always bear,
And for Him I’ll do and dare,
For He loves the little children of the world. [Refrain]t of His peace. A peacemaker.