Mark 3:24-25 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. English Standard Version (ESV)
In today's passage Jesus us being accused by the religious leaders of being the devil, that casting out demons indicates that he is the "prince of the demons". Jesus demonstrates the foolishness of their arguments by referencing what divisions do in the home. Jesus was about doing good, healing, and meeting needs all of which were accomplished in his acts of kindness and mercy.As we look at the world around us - at the family, the church and the political climate; it seems that all you see is division. In this election "pre-season" the political parties are so busy tearing themselves apart that you wonder what will be left when it comes to the real battle. But when we look at the problems within marriage and the family you see the same things going on. It seems that just about everyone is out for themselves, ready to cast out their spouse or the rest of the family, when what is needed are acts of kindness and mercy, forgiveness and healing.
The Message paraphrase to these verses says it well, "a constantly squabbling family disintegrates". May we all do our best to avoid the squabbling, the pettiness and pride and work towards unity, seeking and realizing what is best and using God's Word and it's principles in determining our course of action. Let's not spread rumors but spread hope, faith and love.
Micah 6:8English Standard Version (ESV)
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Mark 3:24-27The Message (MSG)
22-27 The religion scholars from Jerusalem came down spreading rumors that he was working black magic, using devil tricks to impress them with spiritual power. Jesus confronted their slander with a story: "Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan? A constantly squabbling family disintegrates. If Satan were fighting Satan, there soon wouldn't be any Satan left. Do you think it's possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man, and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first? Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out.
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