With or Against?

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Mark 9:38–41
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With or Against?
We want to be in the “in crowd.” Those who are popular, have friends and power. We want to be the ones that tell others what to do. And when someone comes along and does something we think is our exclusive right we get upset. The disciples were not different. They were jealous that someone other than them was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. That was supposed to be their thing. Of course, they thought everyone should pray and tell others about their faith in Christ, but casting out demons was the big league; they should stick to simpler things. But Jesus opens the disciples’ eyes to see those who do God’s work in dramatic or simple ways, are still doing God’s work. The work of God goes far beyond us. And we certainly should do what we are called to do but not covet the attention or power or whatever else might turn people away from Christ. Jesus shows His power and kindness through great life-changing miracles and simple cups of water. May we give thanks to the Lord for His work through the lives of others. May He lead us to welcome those miracles and mercies that He shows through every one of His people.