Devotionals

Disrupting the Status Quo

by Jennifer Woodley 
09/12/20
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‘Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighbourhood.’ Mark 5: 16-17 (NRSV)

The response to good behaviour that is unusual or out of the norm is often met with scepticism and fear. Not everyone will be overjoyed at our good works that exhibit compassion and kindness. People become nervous about actions done in love. Guilt? Conviction? Resistance to change? Yes all of these. Sameness is safe and comfortable.

But Jesus never intended to keep people in their culturally safe and comfortable places. He said in Luke 12:51, ‘Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three;’

All of the accepted norms of behaviour become unsettled and rearranged with Jesus. Society may stipulate that we practice individualism and independence, but Jesus is about disrupting our selfish pursuits. His behaviour towards the demon possessed man in this story teaches us to regard others with genuine affection and caring actions, regardless of whether others like it or not.

What can we initiate today that emulates Jesus’ call to bring ‘division’? Where is there an invitation to share unselfish love among a people entrenched in behaviour that is selfishly-safe?

Holy Spirit, lead me to specific action today that challenges the status quo, so that others may be touched by the generous, self-sacrificing love of Christ. Father, even if those actions upset others, help me to obey you always. Amen.