WHOSE TEAM
Mechelle Holbrook
Today’s Scripture: “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’” Mark 9:38, ESV
Theme: Don’t let personal preferences, differences, or opinions become a barrier to what God may be doing.
THEY’RE NOT ONE OF US
Have you ever been a little jealous of another church or another Christian? I know—we don’t like to say that out loud or admit it. As we read today’s Scripture, Mark 9:38, almost seems legitimate for a second. As you read it, you might think, “Wait a minute, I haven’t seen you around,” or “You’re not part of our group.” “I’m not sure if we are on the same team"
WHEN WE BUILD WALLS
I remember when The Cove Church first started, and many churches like it began popping up. A lot of people didn’t understand it. The way we dressed, served coffee, the lighting, and played louder music was different. Of course, those differences had everything to do with being evangelistic and trying to reach people who might never come to a church service. Our founding pastor had a vision to knock down some of the “walls” that kept people from attending church. Of course, we also had people trying to stop it.
THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM
If you read the verses before and after today’s passage, you’ll notice a pattern. Earlier in Mark 9, the disciples couldn’t cast out a demon because of their lack of prayer. Then, just a few verses later, they’re arguing about who is the greatest. It sounds like the disciples may have also been struggling with people who weren’t part of their group. Jesus responds in verses 39-40 by telling them not to stop the man. If we truly follow and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, then we’re all on the same team. Whether it’s the way we communicate, the Bible translation we read, the style of worship we prefer, or the church we attend, our mission is the same—to know Jesus and to make Him known. This goal common to the Church is one reason our Mission Statement at The Cove Church is to Introduce our friends to Jesus, learn to follow Him and Celebrate His presence in our lives.
PASS THE SALT
As you continue reading Mark 9, you’ll come to verse 50, where Jesus tells His disciples to “have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” If you’re like me, I like a little salt. I usually salt my food before I even taste it. Don’t judge me—it usually works out! Just like food without seasoning can be bland, Christians lose some of their effectiveness when we’re constantly working against one another instead of with one another. Imagine how much more effective we could be if we worked together instead of against each other. This is an area I would like to grow in as well. Maybe I could apply the salt verse - working for peace even before any conflict - the way I preemptively apply salt to my food.
Make It Personal: Is there a church, ministry, or Christian you’ve found yourself comparing yourself to or being critical of? Why do you think that is? Are you more focused on building God’s Kingdom or protecting your own “group?” What is one way you can encourage or celebrate another believer or ministry this week instead of comparing yourself to them?
Pray: God, would you help us with this area of not seeing other believers as being on the same team. Lord show us the areas that we are being critical of other believers or Bible based churches. Help us be more focused (like You were) on the will of the Father. Help us support and celebrate the work of Your Kingdom all around us and around the world. Help us be seasoned with salt and show others we are on one team, team Jesus! Amen
Read: Mark 9
Weekly Memory Verse: For the one who is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40, ESV