Scripture
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:24
Observation
Jesus is addressing the accusation that He is working for the Devil while casting the devil out. Not a whole lot of logic going on here so Jesus uses a parable to reveal just how ridiculous this thinking is. Instead of standing with Jesus as people are being set free from demonic oppression they are jealous. Instead of rejoicing that sick people are being healed they are angry that God is using Him and not them. Like Cain jealous of Abel who’s offering God received over his, they are picking up rocks to attack Jesus. Without realizing it the religious leaders are playing right into the Devil’s plans and are effectively becoming the Devil’s hands the very Messiah generations of God’s people have been waiting and praying for.
Application
I woke up this morning to see the tragic effect of a house divided as Russia began its completely unjustified attack on Ukraine. I was inspired by the words of the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in response: “Dear brothers and sisters! Faithful to our Ukrainian Orthodox Church!
As the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, I address you and all citizens of Ukraine. A disaster has happened. Unfortunately, Russia has launched military operations against Ukraine, and at this fateful time I urge you not to panic, be courageous and to show love for your Motherland and for each other. I urge you, first of all, to intensify repentant prayer for Ukraine, for our army and our people, I ask you to forget mutual strife and misunderstandings and unite in love for God and our Motherland. In this tragic time, we express our special love and support to our soldiers who stand guard and protect and defend our land and our people. May God bless and keep them! Defending the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, we appeal to the President of Russia and ask him to immediately stop the fratricidal war. The Ukrainian and Russian peoples came out of the Dnieper baptismal font, and the war between these peoples is a repetition of the sin of Cain, who out of envy killed his own brother. Such a war is not justified either by God or by people. I call on everyone to common sense, which teaches us to solve our earthly problems in mutual dialogue and mutual understanding, and I sincerely hope that God will forgive us our sins and God’s peace will reign on our earth and throughout the world!” So powerful! He is calling Russia to remember they came from the same house and that by attacking their own brothers they are attacking themselves. Even in the midst of this attack he calls the Ukrainians to repent and to pray. Instead of reacting in fear, to respond in faith.
Prayer
I join my prayers with those of Ukrainian Christians and ask that this war would cease and lives would be spared. That the response of the rest of the world would be to stand united with Ukraine against this attack on their sovereignty. Lord, I see division in so many houses and as a result so many marriages, homes, houses of worship, friendships and governments. I repent for any place where I have held on to offense and allowed for bitterness against brothers and sisters. I don’t want to be a pawn in the enemies hand through pride. Instead I want to be a healer in Your hand through humility. As I look at this picture of Ukrainians kneeling in the snow praying for their country I’m challenged to do the same.
Comments