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‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ (Matthew 18:15-20)
Since 1964 I have liked the music of the Beatles. And as a fan of theirs I have liked hearing stories about the history behind some of their songs. The song that came to mind after reading this passage is the title of this morning's devotional. Most of the Beatles' songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, friends since boyhood, they would compose songs either together or on their own, but would share credit for having written each song. One day, Paul showed up with a song, as did John. Paul's song started, "Try to see it my way, Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?; While you see it your way, Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone, We can work it out, We can work it out." and John's song began: "Life is very short, and there's no time Life is very short, and there's no time. For fussing and fighting, my friend. I have always thought that it's a crime, So, I will ask you once again." Instead of proceeding with each song, the two agreed that John's part become the chorus and Paul's the main part of the song. They lived what they had written.
Jesus speaks of the need for us to get along, but knew situations existed when we would have to work out the disagreements. And notice that Jesus speaks of these happening in the church. He outlined a logical progression of steps with which we could work out an understanding. We try with each other on our own; if that does not work out, invite an outside party to come along and help. If that doesn't work, take it to the church and let the church decide, and if the church's involvement does not resolve the misunderstanding, and the one party refuses to agree, then a separation can occur. Jesus then spoke about the spiritual power at our disposal; whatever we "bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth" the same thing in heaven. Agreement is key, especially in prayer and the oft-quoted, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Jesus is key to all our relationships.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for your wisdom and counsel. We pray for Your church, especially those where there is disharmony or disagreement. May Your peace be present now and forever. Help us to invite Jesus into all our relationships, especially when we pray, as we do today in HIs precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Work it out!
Eradio Valverde
