Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

Mark 3:20-29

Dear God, there are so many times that we just don’t know what is going on. How can we? The only way is divine inspiration, but we have to be silent enough to hear the Holy Spirit speak to us. And we have to be willing to let go of our own paradigms and preconceptions.

I confess that it would have been hard for me to accept what Jesus was doing back then. I would have questioned and rejected, but not out of disdain for him as much as love and defense of you. When he did things that didn’t fit what I thought he should do—what my paradigm from years of living told me he should do—then I would have rejected him and told others they should do the same.

So how do I let my paradigms get in the way of the Holy Spirit’s instructions and directions now? Do I let it influence my politics? My social service? How I judge others? I’m sure that I get in your way a lot.

Father, give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to discern. Help me to be motivated into action and love others through me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen