Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, May 23
Luke 9:37-50. Whoever is not against you is for you.
The disciples had asked Jesus to rebuke a man who was casting out demons in Jesus' name but was not of their group. Jesus seems to say that so long as someone does not actively work against us, we can count him an ally. I like the thought that even people who differ with me on important matters are "for me" so long as they don't oppose me outright.
But what about Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23? There Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." That seems to suggest that people who won't sign their names on the dotted line right next to mine, who belong to some group with a different understanding and approach, are against me and I should stay clear of them.
Which way is it? In a day when the church seems to be splintering into competing pieces, it is an important question. And it's not a new one. "Inclusivists" and "exclusivists" have been in tension for most of Christian history. I know which way I lean, but which way is right? Maybe both. Maybe neither. Maybe we are asking the wrong questions.
PRAY for the Diocese of Windward Islands (West Indies)
Ps 87, 90 * 136; Ezekiel 3:4-17; Hebrews 5:7-14
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