For or Against?

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. [Matthew 12.30]

The context of Jesus saying this tells much. Jesus had just finished saying:

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. [Matthew 12.28-29]

So, when Jesus said, "Anyone who isn't with me..." it was in context of casting out demons and doing miraculous works. According to Jesus, this was Kingdom work.

Too many today say, "I'll just go to church and leave all that faith stuff to the more spiritual folks." Too many today say, "I wouldn't dare try to cast out demons!" Casting out demons and performing miracles were identifying characteristics of Jesus. Are those who say these things saying they want no part of Jesus? Yes, that is exactly what they are saying! And, as Jesus continued His discussion about it, He pointed out that this attitude was actually blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (because it is the power of the Holy Spirit that does those works)!

And to further support His point, Jesus went on to say:

“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” [Matthew 12.33-37]

It has been said before and I will say it here again, the Kingdom of God is no buffet for us to pick and choose what we will or won't obey! Jesus was very clear here in Matthew 12 about what our lives as His followers would look and sound like. Ours is simply the task of following, looking, and sounding like Jesus.

When we encounter a sick person, we are faced with a decision: Will we speak from the power of the Holy Spirit, or speak from human reasoning? We MUST remember that Jesus said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. So, this is serious! 

If we are not operating in the 'blessing' power of the Holy Spirit, then we are operating in the 'cursing' power of Satan. The fruit of our lives tells what tree we are abiding in.

The Pharisees obviously struck a nerve with Jesus in Matthew 12 when they accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. I can only hope that same nerve has been struck in me - in us - today as we read and meditate on what Jesus said.

Father, may I be found speaking and acting out of the power of Your Holy Spirit as Jesus demonstrated! May I never again be content with powerlessness and may I understand that that powerlessness is actually opposition to Jesus. Father, forgive me for opposing Jesus!