On the Same Team
Today’s Verse:
Mark 9:38-40 ESV
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.” 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. For the one who is not against us is for us.”
In this passage, the disciples were concerned about someone outside their group performing miracles in Jesus' name. Their instinct was to stop him as if God's power were limited to their circle. But Jesus corrects them, teaching that the kingdom of God is broader than they imagined. If someone works in Christ’s name and does not oppose Him, they are on the same side.
How often do we, like the disciples, draw lines where Jesus has not? It’s easy to fall into an “us vs. them” mindset, thinking God only works in familiar ways or within our own traditions. Yet, Christ’s words remind us that His mission extends beyond our boundaries. If the Gospel is proclaimed and His truth is touching lives, we should rejoice rather than resist.
This passage also challenges us to examine our hearts. Do we see others as competitors in ministry or as co-laborers in Christ’s vineyard? The Holy Spirit works through many people in many places. Instead of focusing on differences, we are called to recognize and celebrate the work of God wherever it appears. We are on the same team.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, keep us from jealousy or pride in ministry. Open our eyes to see Your work in unexpected places. Help us to rejoice in all who proclaim Your name in truth, and unite us in the mission of sharing Your Gospel. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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