What Jesus Did! 'No Middle Ground' — Matthew 12:30

Saturday, June 12, 2021

ToGather: The LORD Is Close

The LORD promised to be close—especially when we are broken-hearted and crushed.

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[Jesus continued:] "Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."
— Matthew 12:30 NLT

Key Thought

So often as human beings, we want to do what I call "play in the gray." Rather than seeing issues as black or white, right or wrong, good or evil, we often say, "Well, it's not all that cut and dried. It's not really a black or white issue; it's really more a gray issue." Jesus does not allow us to "play in the gray" about his identity or our commitment to him. If we are not for him, we are against him. Being lukewarm, undecided, noncommittal, is simply another way of opposing Jesus. So let's begin today to daily live with unabashed dedication in our service to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Today's Prayer

Loving and Almighty God, I confess that sometimes I do not want to take a stand on a controversial issue that might get me criticized or ridiculed. But today and each day that follows, Father, I want to serve Jesus without compromise. I don't want to hedge on my devotion and loyalty to him. As I commit myself to his service, please further empower me by your Spirit with boldness to clearly, yet sensitively, proclaim my allegiance to Jesus Christ as my Lord. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 4:12
  • Matthew 16:24-27
  • Matthew 10:38-39

Comments

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:30 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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