Mark 9:38–41 (ESV)
Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us
38 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.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to
speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Last
year when the youth went to the Youth Gathering in San Antonio, they were blown away by the amount of Lutheran youth present at that event. The Alamo Dome was filled with about 27,000 youth and leaders, from all over the United States, in fact... from
all over the world. So often, a congregation begins to feel like they are alone when that is a far cry from truth. The disciples were concerned about others doing work in the name of Christ. Jesus said “Do not stop him, for no one whodoes
a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.” There are Christians all over the world and we all work together for the glory of God. Forgive us Lord when we falsely
criticize others or question their work in your name.
I pray: O Lord, help us to work together with all Christians to spread the Word and plant the seeds of faith. Amen.