Word@Work Luke155 - Luke 9:49-50
Published: Tue, 07/27/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
NON-EXCLUSIVE COVENANT
Luke 9:49-50 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." (NIV)
The disciples knew that they were special to Jesus. He had selected them and trained them and they were indeed loved and chosen. But they extended that idea to feeling that they were exclusively special, and therefore nobody else had a right to minister in Jesus' Name. Although Jesus had just rebuked them as individuals for arguing who was the greatest among them, they again tried to assert their uniqueness - but this time as the group of chosen trainee apostles. Now, there was a sense in which they were unique, as the future foundational apostles of the church ... but they had no monopoly on serving the Lord Jesus Christ. That was to be the privilege of every believer, in different ways, in the centuries to come.
Having found a man who was casting out demons in the Name of Jesus, the disciples tried to prevent his ministry because he was not one of the Twelve. Again Jesus has to rebuke them. If somebody's service is in the Name of Jesus, believing that Jesus has the power and authority to act, then they are also working in God's family business. Only those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of the world will dare to use the Name of Jesus. That Name alone marks out those who are on the Lord's side. Those who deny His Name have no place in gospel ministry.
Alas, down through the ages, the church has repeated the same mistake by 'professionalising' ministry. Many with a good heart and sincere faith have been excluded from representing the Master of time and eternity. Although it is important to have good order in the church, and to ensure that only sound doctrine is taught, professional ministers (people who get 'paid' to be pastors, evangelists, missionaries) should be careful to enable every member who is appropriately gifted to be trained and encouraged to have a part in ministry. The key is, 'the Name of Jesus': those who love His Name, and humbly place themselves under His authority, become disciples who need to be enabled to serve their Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I do love You and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. I know that there are many ways in which I might serve You, so please help me to find out how You want me to minister in the Name of Jesus. Please encourage all 'professional ministers' to see their role as enabling other believers to serve You; and please help Your church to grow as we support and encourage others, even if they worship in a different style to us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
The disciples knew that they were special to Jesus. He had selected them and trained them and they were indeed loved and chosen. But they extended that idea to feeling that they were exclusively special, and therefore nobody else had a right to minister in Jesus' Name. Although Jesus had just rebuked them as individuals for arguing who was the greatest among them, they again tried to assert their uniqueness - but this time as the group of chosen trainee apostles. Now, there was a sense in which they were unique, as the future foundational apostles of the church ... but they had no monopoly on serving the Lord Jesus Christ. That was to be the privilege of every believer, in different ways, in the centuries to come.
Having found a man who was casting out demons in the Name of Jesus, the disciples tried to prevent his ministry because he was not one of the Twelve. Again Jesus has to rebuke them. If somebody's service is in the Name of Jesus, believing that Jesus has the power and authority to act, then they are also working in God's family business. Only those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of the world will dare to use the Name of Jesus. That Name alone marks out those who are on the Lord's side. Those who deny His Name have no place in gospel ministry.
Alas, down through the ages, the church has repeated the same mistake by 'professionalising' ministry. Many with a good heart and sincere faith have been excluded from representing the Master of time and eternity. Although it is important to have good order in the church, and to ensure that only sound doctrine is taught, professional ministers (people who get 'paid' to be pastors, evangelists, missionaries) should be careful to enable every member who is appropriately gifted to be trained and encouraged to have a part in ministry. The key is, 'the Name of Jesus': those who love His Name, and humbly place themselves under His authority, become disciples who need to be enabled to serve their Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I do love You and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. I know that there are many ways in which I might serve You, so please help me to find out how You want me to minister in the Name of Jesus. Please encourage all 'professional ministers' to see their role as enabling other believers to serve You; and please help Your church to grow as we support and encourage others, even if they worship in a different style to us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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