Indivisible

But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”

Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?  He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.  And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath?  I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple!  But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’  For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”  Matthew 12:2-8

We live in a country divided.  I do not need to read the paper to know it or a Facebook post to feel it.  I see it on my face as well as others, and I feel it in my heart and soul.  With every protest and slur or statement and dissention, we know something is not right.  We choose sides thinking the other side is to blame.  I found myself in the book of Matthew, where, “Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed.  A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” (Matthew 12:25) I prayed knowing that it won’t get better anytime soon.  However, I was reminded of one of my favorite movie scripture lines, “Even youths grow tired and weary.  Even young men will stumble and fall.  But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will walk and not grow faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31/ movie: 'Remember The Titans') So while I realize there is trouble ahead, I continue to remember these basic truths.  First, God’s word is true.  Second, we are His children.  Third, He loves us.  Finally, He is always with us.  Those are the things that carry and drive me to create greater unity among those who would try to divide us.

You see, God is greater than any dissension that we may have among us.  I kept reading today's verses over and over again, and said it can’t be that simple can it?  Here was Jesus and the disciples harvesting grain on the day of the Sabbath.  Were the Pharisees worried that they were hungry?  No, they focused on them breaking the law.  There’s a reason Jesus was called ‘teacher,’ right?  He points out examples from scripture (David and the sacred loaves of bread – See Samuel 21:1-6) and priests working on the Sabbath.  Then the part that really hits home; I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.  The verses Jesus is referring to is Hosea 6:6, which says, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”  We often get caught up into ‘what something means,’ and immediately jump to the conclusion that someone else is wrong.  Examples include, “you must be racist,” “you need to stop being overly sensitive,” or (the latest, sorry) “You are disrespecting my flag.”  But how often are we focusing on the act instead of the person?  It's more important to prove 'I'm right' instead of knowing who they are, where are they from, and why do they feel this way?  If God were to respond as we do, there would be no grace, and we would never have a relationship with Him.  Instead as Jesus tried to teach the Pharisees to do, we are asked to do something that is somewhat a mantra start with ‘why.’  This is not to necessarily agree, but through understanding, we gain clarity.  And when we have clarity, we lose an enemy and gain mutual respect for each other.

God did not mean for us to be divided.  I once told a person God would not want you on His side.  I was wrong to say that.  God wants all of us on His side.  It does not mean we will always agree.  If we did, we would never gain a wider perspective, and more importantly, greater understanding of God’s plan for us.  If everyone sees what we see, wouldn’t we potentially miss something?  One nation under God does not mean we see everything the same.  Let’s stop trying to impose our meaning on someone else.  Instead, let’s understand the other side to broaden our horizon and expand God’s future kingdom.  Who can you be more gracious to and less condemning of?  How can you be more loving and less judging?  My prayer is that even when we don’t see eye to eye, we focus on how God sees us; a nation indivisible.  Amen.