Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Firstly, let’s take note of the fact that “Jesus knew their thoughts.” Shouldn’t that have an impact on how we think?—to think He knows what we think? I suppose that many pass off the whole idea of God’s omniscience as just another Santa Claus myth—“He knows when you are sleeping; he knows when you’re awake; he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good, for goodness sake!” Jesus goes on in this passage to announce with promise something way out of Santa’s league—that a confrontation of accountability is coming for absolutely everyone. “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (12:36). Just remember that words are fueled by thoughts. (See 12:34)
Secondly, Jesus is stating something loud and clear that is impacting my senses in a renewed and grievous way—AMERICA IS HEADING FOR DEMISE. How is that? Just read His pronouncement again—“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” I’m not trying to be sensational—and this is certainly not something I wish for. But the way I’m adding up the data before me, it strikes me as simple math—I just don’t see how America can survive. Never in my limited awareness has there ever been a greater divide in our nation than the one we are beholding now—a chasm of ideology regarding what this country should look like—a never-to-be-reconciled tension between Judeo-Christian conservatism and secular progressive liberalism—between limited government as set forth by the Constitution and unlimited big government that wishes to dismantle, not only our Judeo-Christian foundations, but the very Constitution that was designed to prevent such dismantling.
Another fresh idea hit me while pondering these ideas—one that comes close to home. It comes clearer to me than ever that the only way my part in God’s Kingdom can stand secure is if I allow no division between myself and its Sovereign. After all, it’s His Kingdom and His rule and authority—not mine. Try quoting again the first few lines of the “Lord’s Prayer.” Isn’t this what Jesus is meaning when He states in this same passage, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters?” (12:30). I can’t seem to avoid a constant gathering of support for the overarching principle that without a HEART AFTER GOD I can’t win, but with a HEART AFTER GOD I can’t lose.
Question: Do resistance or mediocrity fit well anywhere in the Biblical Kingdom of God equation?