Week 5. READ: Mark 9:38-50
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What do we do when someone else is doing the very same thing we are doing? In the secular world this is referred to as competition. The church has thought at times that one local church competes for worshipers or members with other area churches. Jesus is not in the competition business. His attitude is “Do not worry about any who are not against us and do deeds of power.” The work Jesus and his followers were undertaking was not the property of the church but of God. While the church is called and sent to do God’s work in the world, it is God’s work (direction, possession) not the church’s.
In looking closely at what is said here, some commentators have speculated that this story reflects the competing work of ministry in the early church and not an actual story from the time of Jesus. The reason for this train of thought is based on the simple fact that John, the brother of James and son of Zebedee said of this exorcist that he does not follow “us.” If this was a Jesus story, John should have said he does not follow “you.”
The point of origin of this story does not affect its meaning. If we are all working to extend the reign of God, does it matter what sign is over the door? The mission of God to love and reach people distant from God and the church is a daunting task for us all to engage. There is not enough time to worry about someone else’s sheep. Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us,” (9:40). In other words, as Christians, we are all on the same team.
The whole cup of water discussion is a sign of hospitality and of significant importance in the arid Middle East. The reward addition at the end of v. 41 says that giving water to drink to a Christian in need is like giving it as a gift to God. Similar to the story in Matthew 25 where Jesus said that when you feed the hungry you are feeding him, so too when you share water with the thirsty in Mark 9:41, it is an offering to God.
What follows in 9:42-48 is Jesus warning about temptation. He begins by putting a warning out there to protect children from offense, either destroying faith or bringing about physical harm. This warning can be understood individually or as a community of faith. As a church, we are to keep our eyes cast to protect our children and the kids of the community. For all children are a gift and loved by God.
In the next few verses that talk about sin in reference to the hand, foot and eye, it could be referring to sexual sin. They could also be pointing to a much wider application of sin to include stealing, or bringing harm to others. The question is what are you putting into your mind by casting your eyes on it? For what you observe and study, an imprint is made in your mind. Another question is where are your feet going? Are they taking you to good and healthy places? How about your hands? Are they being used for good for your neighbors and in prayer and praise to God?
Perhaps you have heard this children’s song:
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little hands what you do
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little feet where you go
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little feet where you go
Finally, fire is a metaphor for purification in the Christian life, burning away all things unnecessary or harmful. Salt is a purifier for food and the soul. It may have a preserving faith until the end of the world type of meaning here. If salt also refers to your faith, don’t lose your saltiness because it is hard to restore.
Soul Sower
Gary has worked collaboratively in the Rockford area for many years, long before collaboration was a popular way of working together. The ministry he founded is called Bridge Ministries (www.bridgeministries.com). This is a perfect name for his work because he is committed to bringing about good in the community through partnerships.
A sample of the list of activities Bridge Ministry is involved in is found on the home page of his Web site which says: Building trust and friendships with and between Church and community leaders; collaborating with local churches to meet practical needs in our community; mentoring young leaders and encouraging seasoned ones; networking churches, pastors, clergy groups and non-profit organizations to foster greater oneness and cooperation; working to bring racial reconciliation to our city; and partnering with other city reaching efforts.
While I can only imagine that the pace of partnership building and collaboration is at times frustratingly slow, Gary doggedly persists in this effort. He has a heart and vision for it. Gary is ever listening and looking for new possibilities, new partners, and new dreams. He is energetic yet patient. These are some of Gary’s qualities that make him effective in this work.
If there is anyone who fits perfectly into the Transform Rockford way of thinking via collaboration and the long view of change, it is Gary. His leadership in this effort is best seen by not only his presence but also his continued communication with any group with whom he has ever worked. His emails inform and always invite.
Gary is in full alignment with Jesus statement “Whoever is not against us is for us,” (9:40). Our community is blessed to have a ministry like Bridge Ministries to be a light shining on the importance of shared work for good and for God.
Questions to Consider:
- What do you see to be the strengths and weaknesses of competition? What are the strengths and weaknesses of collaboration? How about partnering?
- What value do you see from Grace’s partnership with the churches of Tanzania, GPS Faith Community and West Side Church of God in Christ?
- What value do you see that comes to Grace by being part of the Northern Illinois Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?
- What do you think God is saying to you in today’s reading?