Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Matthew 12:22-32
22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.” 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists[a] cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Reflect
Like me, some of you have heard the phrase, “no good deed goes unpunished.” It seems that no matter what you do, or how good it is, you will receive criticism from somewhere. It is true- we cannot please everyone. But don’t feel bad or worry about it, neither could Jesus. Jesus heals this man, and there waiting was a group of Pharisees ready to complain, criticize, and cast doubt and division into the crowds witnessing this miracle.
Our world today seems to be more divided than ever. No matter what the issue, there is division. Covid 19- some people say everyone should be required to wear a mask while others say you can’t make me wear a mask! Some say open up everything now. Others say keep closed and stay home. Racial Injustice- some say Black Lives Matter while others say racism no longer exists. We are in an election year- some rally and campaign for one candidate with one set of views, while others do the same for a completely different candidate with different views.
Jesus warns us that no house divided against itself will stand. While God created us as individuals and we will have our own opinions and perceptions, we are still called to be united as God’s children. Even though we face division in our communities, let us be agents of unity restoring broken relationships between God’s children.
Pray
Lord, we see so much division in the world today. If we cannot work together we wonder how anything will be done. Help us to find ways that will bring us together with our neighbors rather than everyone being divided on opposite sides. Help us to stand with you, and never against you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Go with God!
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