in Jesus’ name – Be Still…

Matthew 18:20 – Jesus is Here

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

What a great promise Jesus makes for us in this verse. I don’t know how many times I’ve quoted this when in a small group, or attending a meeting when only a few people show up. How comforting to know Jesus is there. Have you ever set an empty seat out in his honor?

Context: This verse is nestled in a section of chapter 18 where Jesus is addressing conduct between believers. Jesus gave great counsel to what to do when we don’t see eye to eye with other believers. Earlier in the chapter Jesus uses the parable of the lost sheep and talks about becoming like children in terms of the purity of our faith. Continue reading “Matthew 18:20 – Jesus is Here”

Numbers 6:22-27 – A Blessing for You

Read Numbers 6:22-27

“Then God said to Moses,” is such a full statement in and of itself. The word “then” suggests something particular has happened before this moment. The mere thought of God speaking to a human like this is another whole story to unpack. And God’s choice to give this message to Moses for his own brother and family. That is a lot for just one sentence.

What God told Moses to tell his brother Aaron becomes something beautiful we can all be blessed by. God meant it here to be a priestly blessing for Aaron and his sons to give to the people, themselves included. God knows the job of priest is not for the faint of heart and will take great devotion and sacrifice. More than ever, they themselves will need to cling to these words of blessing. Continue reading “Numbers 6:22-27 – A Blessing for You”

Mark 9:38-41 – Using the Name of Jesus

Read Mark 9:38-41

We see another misunderstanding here on the part of the disciples. They may have been part of Jesus’ “inner circle” of followers, but they were not the only ones Jesus would use to benefit the kingdom. This was a teachable moment for them in that regard.

I imagine they were a bit surprised, and even put off, that someone outside their little band of followers would be casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But their exasperation was not that this man was using Jesus’ name so much as that this charismatic prophet was not in “their group.”