“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. – Matthew 12:30
There is no room for neutrality. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Jesus had just healed a boy who was demon possessed and faced much opposition over it. The people were amazed and wondered if this indeed was the boy who grew up next door? Was this the same person, the Son of David? The Pharisees claimed it was by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that Jesus drove out the demons.
And Jesus, in this one piercing statement, made it amply clear that there was absolutely no room for sitting on the fence. Barclay state three possible reasons why a person tries to stay neutral. Sheer inertia is one reason. People tend to stay away from anything that disturbs them. They just want to be left alone. Even making a choice is seen as a disturbance.
Fear or cowardice is another reason. Taking a stand for Jesus means courage. The fear of what others will say and think cripples them. The voice of the neighbour is louder than the voice of God.
Preference for security rather than adventure is the other reason. Following Christ involves adventure and action while selfish inaction is much easier.
This statement of Christ is a test that we need to apply to ourselves. In the spiritual war against Satan’s strongholds, there are only two positions that one can take. We are either for Christ or against Him. There is nothing in between. Either we are gathering with Christ or scattering with Satan.
Who are you, one who gathers or scatters?
Lord, fill me with your courage to confidently take a clear stand to gather with you always, I pray.
Extended Reading – Matthew 50-12:22; Luke 11
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