“Grace Beyond Boundaries!”

“Grace Beyond Boundaries!”(Mk.9:38-41).
John the disciple said to Jesus,“Teacher, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” The action of the disciples – acting without the knowledge of Jesus- is the peak of hypocritical fanaticism! According to such fanatics, nobody has the right to use the name of Jesus if s/he does not belong to the prestigious club of followers.
Human tendency is to limit God within the narrow confines of our definition of him. God reaches far beyond the limited space we create for him denominational-wise and religious-wise.
Jesus’ response to John explains the unlimited broadness of God’s grace. Jesus said,“Do not stop him. No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”
Kingdom matters is like a Venn diagram: One circle represents the secular world of nonChristians. The other circle represents the Christian community(Church). The intersection is the kingdom of God(heaven). Within the intersection are both some Christians and some nonChristians. These are the ones who belong to Christ; among whom are such who use the name of Jesus but not being “one of us!”
A Christian in a Christian populated community needed a kidney transplant. Although many Christians had kidneys that could save him, none was ready to offer him a kidney. They visited him regularly in the hospital and prayed with him. He was finally saved because a nonChristian offered him one of his kidneys. The brethren prayed and rejoiced that the God they serve is a miraculous God. (I leave the conclusion to your judgment)!
We insiders have a responsibility to encourage those who outside but already call the name of Jesus Christ. We have to lovingly see how we steer them in to share in the fellowship of believers; but not to stop them. Besides, being inside is nit yet a guarantee that we are within the intersection uf we are too judgmental of others. “Sinners Jesus will receive: Tell this word of grace to all…”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ thank you for teaching me that your grace extends beyond my limited understanding. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.