Matthew 12:30
The ‘all or nothing’ principle of Christ is not popular. However, it is extremely honest. Jesus wants people to know the rules. He makes the standard clear so that nobody will be misled. He realizes, whether we do or not, that our very lives are at stake in this. Those who serve him must serve him exclusively. If someone does not serve him, that person falls into a broad category of failure. Jesus wants people to know that he is the only right way because he does not want anybody to miss out.
To make the full force of Jesus’ statement apparent, we have to understand what is meant by ‘scattering’ here. This is a picture from tending sheep. One who ‘scatters’ the sheep is a wolf or other predator of the sheep. So, Jesus is literally saying that even if a person does not purposely try to be against him, their failure to work with him is the same as attacking his sheep.
Bible Reading: Leviticus 5:1-7:38
Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:21 “I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the love of Christ! It is great to know that You love us. But, it is also so wonderful to have Your love in our hearts. Without that, we are capable of such horrible sin. Lord, having Your Truth ever before us is a blessing we will never truly measure fully. Help us to love others and serve others for You. We can make a difference by Your power. Oh Father, Your grace is sufficient for all our needs! We can never fully see just how good You are to us. You are so worthy of our love and loyalty. Just having a relationship with You not only validates, but also enables, our personality. You make us into nice people who genuinely want what is best for others. Thank You for taking the time to care about us! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a man who is an atheist. Pray for our missionaries.
Journal Entry #13137