7. Matthew 12
25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
While reading the lesson, I began to feel this was the point where Christ Jesus realized his teachings would never be accepted by the Jewish establishment — as it was already divided and warring against itself long before he came along — so he would have to ensure his disciples were not only up to the task of taking his teachings forward and demonstrating them, but also to begin Christianity. It wasn’t until Matthew 16:18 that he said: upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
At the Roundtables it’s been mentioned how Mary Baker Eddy tried to get the Christian churches of her day to take in and accept Science and Health, but they would not, so she also was led to make a new Church. And later, when the Boston Church was warring against itself and faltering, the Plainfield Church was ejected and began to find its own independent path with the grace of God.
I’m very grateful for the unity felt at this Church. The need for it, the importance of it, is spoken of frequently, and truly lived in everything done here. It is wonderful to be a part of this mission for God and man!
Lynda’s post from last week gave the definition of “desolate” (1) and no part of that is desired for this Church we hold so dear! Those other churches have given us a clear map of what not to do, how not to act, and how to lose the way. Let us, therefore, stay united in our love of God, and in all the big and small ways we work together for God’s glory and the Cause of Christian Science.
Thank you for this lesson!
(1) “Desolate: Neglected; destroyed; solitary; without a companion; afflicted; deserted of God; deprived of comfort.” — the 1828 Webster Dictionary