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Article Archive |
2008
Whoever is Not Against Us
by Jim Morris
Joe, the Harley-Davidson master mechanic, despised the sales manager for rolling a Japanese brand motorcycle into his stall. Just the sight of the “off brand” trade-in evoked a string of curse words and an equally bitter expression on his face. Finally, Joe slammed a hammer down on his metal workbench with such force that all of the mechanics turned to see what had just happened.
I looked on in concern as Joe stomped away from his stall with clinched fists and a set jaw. I had never seen Joe this upset before. As his friend I decided to see what was bothering him so much.
“Joe,” I said, “What's up?”
“I'm a Harley mechanic. That's what!” boomed Joe. “I don't work on Kawasaki junk!”
So that was Joe's problem . . . Pride. Joe had given all of us countless lessons on the superiority of Harleys over every other brand of motorcycle. To Joe, the others were just pretenders or false imitations of a “real” motorcycle.
“Joe, why don't we trade projects?” I suggested in the hope he would not quit. “I have a Sportster that needs a warranty check-up next. You take it and I will get the Kawasaki prepped for sale.” We needed Joe and he needed his job. Nevertheless, I wondered how he could hold such a narrow view.
Jesus' view of discipleship was far more inclusive than the narrow view held by the Twelve or some of us. Jesus did take Peter, James and John with him up the mountain where they met with Moses and Elijah (Mark 9:2-13). Not too many folks are privileged to stand in such company. The Three must be really special to mingle with God's V.I.P.s!
Their elation did not last too long, though. The disciples failed to cast out a demon (9:14-29), and to understand what Jesus meant about his death, burial and resurrection (9:31-32). Instead, they argued about who was the greatest (9:33-37).
The last straw must have been broken when a believer did what they could not. “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us” (9:38).
Ouch! That must have really hurt to see the success of someone who was not a part of their elite group. Maybe they called the believer a pretender or a false imitation of a “real” disciple. Maybe they called him a false teacher or even worse—an enemy of God. Surely that man must be exposed, marked and destroyed! Therefore, they told Jesus.
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us” (9:39-40). May we love and appreciate all believers who love the Lord, Jesus Christ.
09-24-08
# 39
