Partners.

Mark 9:38-41 "John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”  But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward."

Reflection. There is a scene in the Charlton Heston film Ben Hur where Judah ben Hur is given water when thirst is consuming him. It is a beautiful scene. Water is life-giving to a thirsty person.

Jesus uses this thought of giving water just after the disciples had tried to stop someone who was not part of the group, from doing good. Jesus did not rebuke them, but taught them. He helped the disciples to see two things; firstly, they are on our side, and; secondly, they will likely as not soon join us.  There are lessons for we church folk here. We shouldn't stop others doing good, and might I suggest that people of good heart might well make a decent harvest field as we go out trying to Find One. A former Archbishop of Canterbury suggested that the church should look for places where God is working and then join in.  We can join in and sow seeds of faith.

Prayer. Loving God, please point me to places where you are at work that I might join in. In the name of Jesus and for his sake. Amen.

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