A Kingdom Divided

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25).

Jesus stated a principle well known by all of us. Division is a good thing when we share with others to everyone’s benefit. It is a bad thing when we disagree to the point we go our separate ways to everyone’s detriment.

We pride ourselves in our diversities. It’s good to disagree and to debate because then we are exposed to different ideas and principles we may not have considered on our own. But disagreeing and division are two different things.

A government in which there is persistent disagreement between the leadership and constituents, where one political party stands uncompromisingly against the other, or in a culture where one group is vehemently opposed to another racially, philosophically, or ideologically, is dangerous and devastating. The Civil War taught us that. The present political, racial, and economic climate proves it once again.

Jesus was accused of being a devil, having the authority of Satan to cast out fellow demons from a demoniac. This accusation was leveled by the Pharisees who professed an unwavering loyalty and devotion to all things godly. Their motivation for the accusation was not based in truth, but in envy, arrogance, and hatred. They wanted Jesus dead because He exposed their spiritual hypocrisy. 

Jesus countered their accusation with the statement that a kingdom or house divided against itself will destroy itself. A kingdom or a family can prosper only when its members live in harmony. Said members, though different, must come together in promoting its common desires, values, and goals. If one person undermines the other, serious damage is done. This is true with the kingdom of Satan; it is true with the Kingdom of God.

In essence Jesus said to the Pharisees, “It is your belief that Satan possessed these men whom I have cured. It is also your belief that Satan has helped me cure them. If that is true, then he has helped me to undo what he had done; he has helped Me destroy his kingdom. This is foolish.”

We have yet to learn this principle. Much of our division today is motivated by the same evils motivating the Pharisees in Jesus’ day - envy, jealousy, hatred, greed, arrogance, self-absorption, etc. Jesus calls us to set aside our personal differences and seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Only then can He heal us and make us a powerful force for good in a world that is divided and tearing itself apart.

“Lord Jesus, help me to be an instrument of unity and healing in the church and world. Make me a peace-maker among men so that Your will and purpose can be accomplished among us. To Your honor and glory I ask, Amen."

Pastor