Luke 11:14-26 | Galatians 6:4-10
The ignorance of those who can’t see goodness right in front of them can be really frustrating.
Sometimes, it’s us, right? If we can recognize in ourselves the inability to see good, it’s likely a reminder that we need sabbath, restoration, and some space to receive healing for our perspective.
But man…when it’s other people…
Jesus had healed someone. Good news! And here go these people complaining about some tangential issue that’d nothing to do with it and wasn’t even true.
Do you remember Debbie Downer from SNL? She’s that person who feels the need to insert a counter-negative in any and all situations.
You: Roses are beautiful!
Debbie: Yeah, but you can cut yourself on the thorns.
Person: I can’t wait for my vacation to Australia.
Debbie: That’s a really long flight.
Jesus: [heals a person]
Debbie: Dude must be in with the devil.
It’s easy enough to point out such negativity in the gospels. But it happens among us today, as well. When those who are hungry or in need are given resources, some complain it’ll only attract more people, more problems. When refugees are helped, some can only focus on their unconventional means of movement. Some Christians won’t accept compassion if it doesn’t have a particular label on it.
Jesus redirects it all to the things of power.
If evil loses, it’s a win.
Luke 11:14-26
Jesus was throwing out a demon that causes muteness. When the demon was gone, the man who couldn’t speak began to talk. The crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He throws out demons with the authority of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons.” Others were testing him, seeking a sign from heaven.
Because Jesus knew what they were thinking, he said to them, “Every kingdom involved in civil war becomes a wasteland, and a house torn apart by divisions will collapse. If Satan is at war with himself, how will his kingdom endure? I ask this because you say that I throw out demons by the authority of Beelzebul. If I throw out demons by the authority of Beelzebul, then by whose authority do your followers throw them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if I throw out demons by the power of God, then God’s kingdom has already overtaken you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are secure. But as soon as a stronger one attacks and overpowers him, the stronger one takes away the armor he had trusted and divides the stolen goods.
“Whoever isn’t with me is against me, and whoever doesn’t gather with me, scatters. When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn’t find any. Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house cleaned up and decorated. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and make their home there. That person is worse off at the end than at the beginning.”
Galatians 6:4-10
Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. Each person will have to carry their own load.
Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher. Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit. Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.
Prayer
God,
Keep me from jealousy.
…from ignorance.
…from missing the point.
…from negativity.
…from self-righteousness.
Fill me with compassion.
Help me to celebrate goodness, wherever it comes from.
Show me all the corners of the work of your Kingdom and in particular, give me new wisdom for things I don’t yet understand.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.