War

Luke 11:14-23 (The Message)

Jesus delivered a man from a demon that had kept him speechless.

The demon gone, the man started talking a blue streak, taking the crowd by complete surprise.

But some from the crowd were cynical. "Black magic," they said. "Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve." Others were skeptical, waiting around for him to prove himself with a spectacular miracle.

Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Any country in civil war for very long is wasted. A constantly squabbling family falls to pieces.

If Satan cancels Satan, is there any Satan left? You accuse me of ganging up with the Devil, the prince of demons, to cast out demons, but if you're slinging devil mud at me, calling me a devil who kicks out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?

But if it's God's finger I'm pointing that sends the demons on their way, then God's kingdom is here for sure.

"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.

"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.

It's amazing to me what Christian people can find to squabble about. Absolutely amazing.

I've been to too many church meetings where the topic was how to best arrange the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. Nobody seemed to notice that the water level was quickly rising and the ship was on the way to the bottom of the ocean.

Imagine soldiers engaged in mortal combat. As one strikes a massive blow to the enemy that could save both of their lives...would the other begin complaining about whether that act of heroism had been committed at the right time, in the right style, or at the right cost?

Of course not.

If it's war, you work together, at all costs, to defeat the enemy.

Hushed whispers behind the backs of fellow Christians...daggers pulled...'round the clock politics so that someone's own "side" can "win." These are not the actions of folks who realize that they're in a war with evil.

"Black magic," someone in the crowd murmured against Jesus.

Jesus response could not have been more clear.

This is war. There is no room for "neutral" fence sitters who plan simply to sit back, grumble and criticize both sides.

If you're not for us, you're the enemy.

The interesting thing about Jesus, of course, is that he loves even his enemies.

But "enemy of Jesus" just isn't the camp in which I want to find myself. I'd much rather be on his side.

Prayer: God, we ask that you would give us eyes to truly see. Help us to lay down our borders, to quit protecting our pride and egos, and to simply embrace your work, wherever we may find it. Show us your way.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.