Compared to this Scripture is Matthew 12:30: “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” At first reading and thought, these Scriptures seem inconsistent.
However, there is the distinction that in our Scripture for today, the person who “does not follow us” was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. See also a similar Scripture in Mark 9:38-40. “John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. “For he who is not against us is for us.”
I think Luke 11:14-23 puts it all together.
“14 And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.
15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”
16 Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven.
17 But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.
18 “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.
19 “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges.
20 “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.
22 “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.
23 “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” Luke 11:14-23.
First, we read “a house divided against itself falls”. In other words, someone who is ruled by Satan is not going to cast out demons. Only a person who is not ruled by Satan will cast out demons. And, if that person is not ruled by Satan, that person must have been saved into the kingdom of God and will thus be on the same side as the disciples.
Second, the statement “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” refers to the antithesis between believers and unbelievers. “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
Going back to the Scripture for today, the lesson for us is that we will see those who are involved in other ministeries. They may belong to other churches, even other denominations. We may not be good at their work, and we may not even fully agree or understand the importance of their work.
1 Corinthians Chapter 12 recognizes this skepticism tendency to dismiss those who are not like us, and this chapter corrects it. “And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 1 Corinthians 12:21.
But, we must realize: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 