Matthew 12:22-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In our last meditation we saw that the strange ways of Jesus are the true path to peace. Read Matthew 12:22-30 noticing those who recognize that path and those who refuse to see it.
When Jesus sets things right in the life of a person caught in the throes of demonic devastation, the crowd immediately recognizes the activity of God, and the people are filled with wonder. The great tragedy in this story is that the people most familiar with the Scriptures and laws of God are blind to the power of God exercised through Jesus. Their own ideas about God have become their god – and they worship this god to their own peril.
Take a moment to meditate on the words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Before you move on, share your thoughts or feelings with Jesus.
Read Matthew 12:22-30 again taking note of anything that stands out or any questions that arise.
Evidence of the Kingdom of God in the world can only be seen through open eyes. If we refuse to look we will not see, but we will not be safe in our blindness. To move through life choosing to close our eyes to God’s activity in the world and in our own souls is to reject the One who created us. There is no neutral ground; once we have seen evidence of God we are either moving toward the Kingdom of God as revealed in Jesus, or we are moving away.
The Greek words translated “working for” and “working against” in this passage can also be translated “gather with” and “scatter.” Read Jesus’ words again with this translation:
“Anyone who isn’t gathering with me scatters.”
Knowing that we all have messy days and even whole messy seasons, and realizing that the grace of Jesus abounds for us always, take a few moments to consider whether you are doing more gathering or scattering over time.
What do you want to say to Jesus about this?
What do you sense Jesus wants to say to you?
How will you respond to him?
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