Devotion • September 28
Today's Scripture
Mark 9:38–50
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 deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (NRSV)
Reflection
“Whoever is not against us is for us” is a pretty clear directive from Jesus. All are welcome.
He gives this response to the disciples who were intent on excluding certain healers, who were bucking the system, saying they were “not following us.”
Jesus doesn’t care. Jesus is suggesting a behavior that starts with love for each other.
How often have we applied our own individual scorecards for who is in and who is out? Or insisted we are right rather than honoring and listening to another person’s views? It isn’t for us to determine who is in and who’s out in God’s kingdom: Jesus tells us to love one another, not to gain his favor, but to serve in the name of Christ.
The closing section in today’s text — “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another” — sums up this promise of loving each other, of true discipleship. That is simply the peace we are offered as followers of Jesus, who are called to serve our neighbors in love.
God has seasoned each of us with unique gifts. May we recommit ourselves to listen to each other without judgment, to welcome all, and to spread love in all we say and do.
Seasoned with love.
Prayer
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Thank you for seasoning me with gifts for service in this world. Help me to lead with love in all I do and say in the ministry of your love. Amen.
Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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