Luke 11-B “But some of them…”

S = Luke 11:15-18a “But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?”

O = While the people marveled, “Some of the people” either wanted more signs to tickle their appetite for good epic entertainment or were scoffers that demonized Jesus’ ministry (literally). Honestly, if I recognize that a sign is truly from heaven, how many do I need before I repent? Signs are meant to be applied to our hearts, not to be watched like a magic show. Secondly, there were the scoffers—calling Jesus’ work demonic as a way of avoiding the necessary personal response. This reveals an interesting principle about unity. A kingdom divided will fall, it will be laid waste, the principle is so profound that this Biblical saying is a part of our English vernacular. Conversely, can it be said that the kingdom united stands firm? The people who heard Jesus were divided, Satan’s kingdom is in fact divided, but the Kingdom of God is not divided because God is not divided. Why do people so often apply divided thinking to the Trinity? Why do people imagine that there is disagreement or development within the Trinity? Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are not divided. They are not a good cop, a bad cop, and a psychologist putting up with each other in order to get the job done. They are united in character, purpose, and bound together in love. Jesus is the complete revelation of the God-head bodily (Col. 2:9). His kingdom will not fall! My kingdom…that is another story.

A = Do I rejoice at the delivering, redeeming work of Jesus, agreeing that his plan is right and good? Or am I counted with the “some of them” that fail to apply the message to their own heart, or with the “other others” that deny the holy character of Jesus and his ministry in the lives of hurting people? Now as a professing Christ-follower, I would never do the “some of them” thing on the surface, but are there things Jesus wants to do in my heart to which I say, “No! That’s a bad idea”? If so I am no different than those who looked on long ago. What ways is God telling me to repent this week? What do I need to allow God to empty me of so that He can fill me with life overflowing? Where am I resisting his work? Is my personal kingdom divided and destined to fall or have I surrendered my broken kingdom to a United Person—where I might finally be complete, clean, and full in Him?

P = O Lord, speak to me today and may I not refuse your message. May I have grace to repent of my kingdom and receive of your kingdom…not as one who needs to be in control, but as one who daily yields control to you my loving Savior. Amen.