Readings for today: Matthew 12:22-50, Mark 3:22-35, Luke 8:19-21, 11:14-54
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” (Matt. 12:25)
Abraham Lincoln quoted this verse in his famous campaign speech delivered in 1858 at the Illinois Republican State Convention. Though largely unknown, he had just won the nomination to run for U.S. Senate against Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln was referring to the issue of slavery, of course. Douglas wanted to find a middle ground between the North and South but Lincoln knew better. He knew the issue had to be settled once and for all. He knew there could be no compromise. He knew the United States could not continue with half in support of slavery and half in support of freedom. A nation divided cannot stand.
The same was true in Jesus’ day. The house of Israel was divided along all kinds of political lines. Some supported collaboration with Rome. Some refused to entertain any such thing. Some advocated for a violent overthrow. Others eschewed violence altogether. Some believed the answer was Torah faithfulness. Others withdrew into the desert because they believed the religious authorities were corrupt. And then along comes Jesus. A miracle worker. A healer. An exorcist. He performs His signs and wonders publicly and it must have felt to the scribes and Pharisees like He was throwing gasoline on the fire. It’s why they tried so hard to discredit Him. Accusing Him of casting out demons by the power of the devil. But Jesus was ready for them. He knows their kingdom is divided and is about to be laid waste. He knows the glorious city of Jerusalem is a tinderbox waiting to explode. He has no desire to act as an “accelerant” rather He wants them to see and experience the Kingdom of God. He points them to the fruit of His actions. The blind see. The mute speak. The deaf hear. The lame walk. These are not acts of the devil that result in further pain and suffering and division and brokenness. No, the fruit Jesus bears is healing, wholeness, and restoration. All signs of the Holy Spirit at work.
I’ve been thinking about this verse a lot recently. We are raising teenagers in our home so it can often feel like we are living in a “house divided.” Sometimes the conflict is almost too much to bear. It’s in those moments when things seem hardest that God speaks to me. He reminds me His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is great. I can cast all my anxieties on Him because He cares for me. His perfect love casts out all my fear. He sets me free to bear the fruit of healing, wholeness, grace, and peace as I raise my children and they are blessed. A family divided cannot stand.
I am also the pastor of a church. It’s not easy leading a church in these tumultuous times. The COVID pandemic exposed all sorts of divisions politically and socially among God’s people. Many of our political leaders stoked the fires of fear and anger and hatred and division and sadly those fires are burning bright in many churches. It’s heartbreaking to receive some of the emails I’ve received from people I’ve known and loved for many years. It’s painful to watch families and communities split apart over issues that have nothing to do with the gospel. Many pastors are leaving the ministry. Many churches are closing their doors. A church divided cannot stand.
How does a follower of Christ respond in this cultural moment? We respond like Jesus. We make it our aim to act as agents of healing in our communities, doing all we can to come alongside those who are hurting. We act as agents of unity in our communities, doing all we can to bring people together. We act as agents of wholeness in our communities, binding up the broken and helping them put the pieces back together. We act as agents of blessing in our community, bearing the fruit of the Spirit which is good and righteous and true.
Readings for tomorrow: None