By Pastor Alex Ruelo
Matthew 12:22-26 says, “Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons. Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.”
There is a spiritual war going on right now, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but by principalities and powers of darkness. During this time, many leaders of the church were envious of Jesus Christ because of the miracles that He has been performing. So they have been trying to find fault in Him. They ask Him questions and point out every little thing that He does but to no avail. In the end, there was no blame they could put on Him so they simply accused Him of getting His powers from satan. But this all backfired on them, just like every single time they tried to destroy Him.
This is the main point of this parable, about kingdoms that are divided. I grew up as a Baptist and one of the problems we faced during those days is the split of the church. And this is not only within us, but within most churches as well. The reasons? Very petty. We used to say that “division is actually good because it equals to multiplication.” God is not in favor of division. Although it is not always negative, as when God created the world and He divided the light from darkness as well as land from water and the heavens. But there are things that should not be divided.
First of all, the church should not be divided. In Psalms 133:1, the Bible says “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” There are things in this church that can sometimes cause division - the way one sings, dresses, speaks or dances in front during praise and worship. These are not reasons for us to go our separate ways. Let us remember that this is not our church. This is the church that God built. I am not talking about religion or denomination. I am talking about the church that Jesus Christ built. So we do not mind if the people inside this church are Baptists or Pentecostal or Charismatic. You are all welcome here and we will support your activities. That is why we have the event Jesus Reigns, so that we can gather all Christians. because that is God’s design, that all of them become united, not only here in the Philippines but all over the world. God wants all of His people to become one.
Second, God does not want division in the government. Romans 13:1 says “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” As Christians, we should support people in position because we know that it is God who put them there. We should pray for those who are in power, even if we feel that they are making all the wrong decisions. 1 Peter 2:13-14 says “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.” For Christ’s sake! Not for your sake. Our government, no matter how corrupt it is, needs our support and prayers because God said so. The purpose of government is to put everything in order. We see all of their faults - let us pray for them.
Third, the family should never be divided. Proverbs 11:29 says “Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.” When the family is broken, children are broken, the church will be broken, the government will be broken and everything will come tumbling down. The devil uses so many things to destroy the family. If the house is divided, it will fall. We have to protect the basic unit of society.
Lastly, we cannot divide ourself. Matthew 12:30 says ““Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.”
if you are not in Christ, then you are with the enemy. There is no neutral ground. You have to make a decision. If we do not work for Jesus, we work for the enemy. Anything we do that is not in the will of God, it is the will of the devil. It is that simple. To refuse to follow Christ is to choose to be on satan’s team. That is how simple it is. God wants his kingdom to be united. Our home isHis kingdom. Our church is His kingdom. We are the Body of Christ.
The Kingdom of God has already won. Matthew 12:29 says “For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Before Jesus came, the devil ruled the earth. But Jesus came more than 2000 years ago. He died on the cross and the devil thought he won. But after 3 days He rose from the dead. We already have the victory. Revelation 20:10 says “Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” We know how it ends. We have won! Because Jesus Christ died on the cross! Not because of religion or your beliefs, but because of Jesus Christ.
Do you know why the devil is very persistent in trying to destroy the family and the church? Because he is scared that one day, Jesus Christ will come and they will be thrown in the fiery lake of burning sulfur! That is why he is working double time. But the Bible already said he is done. We have to claim that the victory is ours.
The ‘Kingdom of God has already granted your salvation. Matthew 12:31-32 says “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” So there is a sin that cannot be forgiven? That is the sin of rejecting God’s Son, Jesus Christ. If you do not accept Him, God will not accept you too.
The Kingdom of God has spoken the truth. Matthew 12: 27 says “And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.” And John 8:31-32 also says “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Today, you have heard the truth. God wants to set you free. He wants to set you free for your sins and from the lies the devil is telling you. He wants you to be one with Him in heaven.
Hebrews 1:8 says “But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.” The Throne of God will reign forever. The Kingdom of God is the end. Jesus is all you need. Choose the winning side.