Matthew 12:22-37
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
"But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." -Matthew 12:25
Jesus says in Matt.12:25: “Every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” In that statement, Jesus defends His authority before those who said He was working by Satan’s power rather than God’s. This was His argument: if He were casting out a demon by Satan’s power, then Satan would be working against himself which would divide Satan’s kingdom and bring it down. It’s a statement that can be applied to a home, a church, or any kind of institution.
A divided home- where unity of heart and purpose is lost- will not be able to stand. Satan is making every diligent effort to destroy every home- even Christian homes, whenever he can do so. There are some essential ingredients that every home needs- which are indispensable:
Uncompromising Trustworthiness - The husband and wife must be true to each other in any and every circumstance. This means a decision with both spouses to observe promises, be loyal and faithful. It is the same when it comes to the Church – Christ and the bride. Loyalty and faithfulness bind the relationship.
Three things that should motivate that unwavering faithfulness:
Love for God- Because you love God you desire to do His will for your life. God’s ideal is one man–one woman together for a lifetime! (Matt.19:5). We are to honour that principle.
Love for your spouse- True love does not want to hurt, behave rudely or offend your life partner. (1Cor.13:4-8). It is willing to forgive and walk in love. True love involves the giving of yourself completely to the other (Eph.5:25).
Longing for a good name. It should motivate you be loyal to your marriage partner. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches…” (Prov.22:1).
II. Unwavering Faith- Our faith in Christ should be like cement or glue to the marriage bond. It is our faith in Christ that holds us in tough times as we trust Him to work out His good and perfect will in our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:12 speaks of “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”- which is the relationship of the husband, wife and Christ!
Our enemy operates under a threefold mandate. Jesus said in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The devil’s greatest tools to separate us from God, from our families and from the Church are division and confusion. We are to be on guard against the wiles of the enemy. Prayer to God is a secret weapon to win over the vitality of the Church and unity in the family. Ephesians 6:18 says: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Prayer not only changes things, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous can change situations at work, at church and in the family!
Meditate on: But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:14-15)