The Broader Team: Luke 9:49-50
“49) John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50) But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”” Luke 9:49-50
This is a fascinating text. The disciples came upon a man casting out demons in Jesus name and they tried to hinder him because he was not a formal part of their team.
Doesn’t that sound familiar? How quickly we develop a turf mentality. Jesus would have none of it. He understood the broad nature of the kingdom of God and the universal power of His name.
“He who is not against you is for you!” What a profound concept. Anyone being effective in the name of Jesus against the kingdom of darkness is doing Gods work.
Think about the tragic turf mentality of the disciples. They would rather leave people lost and demon possessed than recognize that others can be effective in the name of Jesus as well.
They should have been cheering, equipping and empowering others rather than resisting, hindering, criticizing and dividing. Don’t put Jesus in a box. When God starts working, the gospel spreads quickly and may take on a different Christian culture than you embrace. That’s ok!
Other believers were modeling what they heard Jesus teaching and doing. The result? God was working through them as well! The gospel was spreading. People were hearing about Jesus and being set free. God was at work.
Avoid trying to control God, the spread of the gospel or the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Here is a radical news flash: God is not restricted to your small denominational circle, theological bias or rigid methodology. Stop becoming like the Pharisees and religious leaders that opposed Jesus!
Gods self imposed boundaries are truth, His holy character, a pure gospel, the name of Jesus and His word. Beyond those guard rails, the kingdom of light is very fluid, dynamic and broad.
Catch a wave and ride it for the glory of God! Allow others to do the same! Guard your spirit lest you become judgmental critics rather than advocates for the kingdom of light. Grant others the freedom to be different from you within biblical guard rails. Celebrate them, don’t criticize or hinder them. They are part of Gods broader team!
I don’t care if they use a different translation of the Bible than me so long as it’s good and accurate and they are building their lives on the word of God! The early Christians didn’t even have Bibles!
One of the blessings of ministering broadly within the body of Christ across the country and around the world is that I’ve witnessed the dynamics of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 in action many times over. I’m more concerned if people are in the Kingdom of light than in my small box. The big question; “Are they bearing fruit for the glory of God?”
I have many dear brothers and sisters in Christ who are different from me in Christian culture, but the same in born-again gospel message and experience. I have Baptist, Methodist, Mennonite, Amish, Lutheran, evangelical, fundamentalist, Charismatic, Pentecostal and messianic brothers and sisters in Christ.
I am not saying every member of their circle is saved or born-again, but God has genuine believers scattered everywhere. They are salt and light for His glory and are most likely the ones “casting out demons” in His name. I encourage, mentor and empower them as they grow in Jesus and learn to walk in the Spirit.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
Sent from my iPhone
“49) John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50) But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”” Luke 9:49-50
This is a fascinating text. The disciples came upon a man casting out demons in Jesus name and they tried to hinder him because he was not a formal part of their team.
Doesn’t that sound familiar? How quickly we develop a turf mentality. Jesus would have none of it. He understood the broad nature of the kingdom of God and the universal power of His name.
“He who is not against you is for you!” What a profound concept. Anyone being effective in the name of Jesus against the kingdom of darkness is doing Gods work.
Think about the tragic turf mentality of the disciples. They would rather leave people lost and demon possessed than recognize that others can be effective in the name of Jesus as well.
They should have been cheering, equipping and empowering others rather than resisting, hindering, criticizing and dividing. Don’t put Jesus in a box. When God starts working, the gospel spreads quickly and may take on a different Christian culture than you embrace. That’s ok!
Other believers were modeling what they heard Jesus teaching and doing. The result? God was working through them as well! The gospel was spreading. People were hearing about Jesus and being set free. God was at work.
Avoid trying to control God, the spread of the gospel or the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Here is a radical news flash: God is not restricted to your small denominational circle, theological bias or rigid methodology. Stop becoming like the Pharisees and religious leaders that opposed Jesus!
Gods self imposed boundaries are truth, His holy character, a pure gospel, the name of Jesus and His word. Beyond those guard rails, the kingdom of light is very fluid, dynamic and broad.
Catch a wave and ride it for the glory of God! Allow others to do the same! Guard your spirit lest you become judgmental critics rather than advocates for the kingdom of light. Grant others the freedom to be different from you within biblical guard rails. Celebrate them, don’t criticize or hinder them. They are part of Gods broader team!
I don’t care if they use a different translation of the Bible than me so long as it’s good and accurate and they are building their lives on the word of God! The early Christians didn’t even have Bibles!
One of the blessings of ministering broadly within the body of Christ across the country and around the world is that I’ve witnessed the dynamics of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 in action many times over. I’m more concerned if people are in the Kingdom of light than in my small box. The big question; “Are they bearing fruit for the glory of God?”
I have many dear brothers and sisters in Christ who are different from me in Christian culture, but the same in born-again gospel message and experience. I have Baptist, Methodist, Mennonite, Amish, Lutheran, evangelical, fundamentalist, Charismatic, Pentecostal and messianic brothers and sisters in Christ.
I am not saying every member of their circle is saved or born-again, but God has genuine believers scattered everywhere. They are salt and light for His glory and are most likely the ones “casting out demons” in His name. I encourage, mentor and empower them as they grow in Jesus and learn to walk in the Spirit.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
Sent from my iPhone
