On Our Part - Mark 9:40

Mark wrote how Jesus' disciple John said, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me”, and in chapter nine and verse forty of his book, Mark shared how Jesus said, “he that is not against us is on our part” where we read:

For he that is not against us is on our part.

The verse reads, “For he that is not against us ...” Mark began with the words, “for he that is not against” which means “because, since and on account that the person whether male or female who is not opposed to” “us” which refers to “Jesus and His disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus made reference to a person not being “opposed” to Him and His disciples as He responded to John's statement.

The verse goes on to say, “... is on our part.” Mark continued with the words, “is” which means “exists and stands” “on our part” or “in behalf of and for the sake of Jesus and His disciples”. Mark shared how people who are “with” Jesus and His disciples are working “on behalf of and for the sake of” them.

When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus instructed John according to the truth within His Kingdom. People who are “with” Jesus and His followers are not “against” them. In fact, they actually are working for the Kingdom of God. God loves people to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and when they submit their lives to Him, they become children and servants in the Kingdom of God. Those who are wise will believe and trust in Jesus and align themselves with the “relationship and service” He calls them to do.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus said, “whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name … he shall not lose his reward”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".