A House Divided
AM Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13)
Ezek. 43:1-12 • Heb. 9:1-14 • Luke 11:14-23
Eve of Pentecost:
PM Psalm 33 • Exod. 19:3-8a,16-20 • 1 Pet. 2:4-10
I like to read different translations of scripture and compare them. I think it helps me to more fully contemplate what I am reading and how to apply it in my life. I repeat the reading of the same scripture multiple times and make note of differences and similarities between the translations. Often a different word here and there can change the content of my visualization. Luke’s account of Jesus’ famous words to the crowd, after they accused him of casting out a demon through the power of Beelzebub, differs ever so slightly from translation to translation.
A crowd gathered around Jesus as he was exorcising a demon from a man. The man had been mute, now he can speak. This miracle cannot be disputed by the crowd. But some were skeptical and wanted more evidence of Jesus’ power, wanting him to perform more miracles on demand. Others in the crowd, in order to reject Jesus, were grasping to come up with some accusation with which to attack Him. So, these people accused Him of using the power of Beelzebub to expel the demon, a completely illogical argument. Jesus saw their motive clearly and, as always, spoke the very wisest of words! He pointed out the total fallacy of their argument. Why would Satan work against himself, for surely that would only serve to bring about his own ruin! Though Satan may be strongly defending his property (evil), Jesus is stronger and overtakes evil with good. I find that so very comforting. Good overcomes evil. There is no room here for being neutral. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23)
Jesus sets the example of not biting the hook, so to speak. He is not defensive or reactionary. To be falsely accused must have been most frustrating! I know how I have felt and behaved when I have been confronted by a contentious person. I would do well to be mindful enough to pause in the moment and ask myself “what would Jesus do?” However, often I find myself several hours later, thinking of the things I should have said. Jesus, our Teacher, is demonstrating exactly how to deal with people in an antagonistic situation. He was so present in the moment! So in control of himself that he could think of and articulate the most perfect response and recognize a teachable moment when it arose. I wonder if anyone in the crowd ‘got it.’
Written by Deborah Griffin
...who is grateful for the Celebration of Pentecost and the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.