Lets not Fall Apart

There is something special about togetherness. The feeling of being with one accord. Unified in purpose and plan. Understanding that we have differences but we come together as one to work in collaboration with each other knowing that the end goal is greater than the individual.

One first I lift up today because its speaks so much truth to what is going on today. 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. (Mt 12:25).

Examples of division and its damage to the overall picture

Families torn apart

Communities torn apart

Society torn apart

All because we focus on what divides us instead of what unites us.

What should unite us is a demand for justice! Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love MERCY (which is kindness),

and to walk humbly with your God. (Mic 6:8).

Dr King said Power without love is reckless and abusive and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best love implementing the demands of justice and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love” - Dr MLK Jr

In this Chapter of 12 Jesus is confronted repeatedly by the Pharisees.

First taht his disciples ate of the corn on the Sabbath.

Look at the Jesus response Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Then that wasn't enough when Jesus entered the temple he encounter a man with a withered hand. Now the Pharisees anticipated what Jesus would do so they asked is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? Jesus gives them another practical response and proceeds to heal the man.

A Man with a Withered Hand

9 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. (Mt 12:3–14).

Jesus aware of their plot leaves but many followed him and he healed them. The Bible said this was done to fulfil the scripture spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18  “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,

my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

19  He will not quarrel or cry aloud,

nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

20  a bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not quench,

until he brings justice to victory;

21  and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

(Mt 12:17–21).

This is lifted from Isaiah 42:1-3

Jesus himself proclaim he comes to bring Justice.

In Luke 4:18 Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2  

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2  to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Is 61:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The critics of Jesus had lost focus. Instead of focusing on the justice and mercy of God they focus on their own rightness. They could not see the savior right in front of them. So Jesus had to remind them every kingdom divided against itself is laid to waste!!!! a divided house cannot stand.

First we must recognize that Christ is the glue that keeps us together.

In his response the silliness of the Pharisees questioning and responses Jesus shows them how ridiculous they sound. Jesus is all he is everything to me. He is the one that called us to this point of salvation and he keeps us. Hod gave him that responsibility.

22 And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. (Is 22:22–23).

Secondly we must recognize that Holy Spirit is here as our helper.

The Power of the Spirit has the power to bind the strong man and subdue it. Jesus said in order to plunder and mans good you must secure the strong man. This is not a bad thing. There are some strong forces that we must let the Holy Spirit in to subdue.

Finally Be care of who you put your mouth on.

This Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is serious. When we see the deliverance and healing of others we dare not question the power of the Holy Spirit. ‘What you can see here is God’s rule come into effect