July 5

Mark 9:38‑40
“And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part” ―Mark 9:38-4038And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9:38‑40).
IT IS a great thing to learn that each servant of Christ must act individually as before the Lord, and yet, on the other hand, that he is responsible to co-operate with his fellow-servants so far as possible, without seeking to control or dictate to them.
It seemed hard for our Lord’s disciples to learn these things, and it is evident that few of us have learned them today. We are so apt to over-estimate the importance of our own ministry and to under-value the work of our fellow-servants. This is a subtle form of pride which is most hateful to God, and most harmful to the work of the Lord.
“Ah, the judgment-seat was not for thee—
These servants, they were not thine:
And the Eye which adjudges the praise and the blame,
Sees further far than thine.
Wait till the evening falls, my child.
Wait till the evening falls;
The Master is near, and knoweth it all—
Wait till the Master calls.”