Divided Kingdom

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” 

Mark 3:24-25

Jesus was accused by the teachers of the law that He was possessed by Beelzebul! “By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus tells them in no uncertain terms how that is not possible! If he is in Satan’s camp, then why would He drive out evil spirits? 

There are many families driven to disaster by jealousy, greed and disunity. One family that caught my attention are the Jumabhoys, an Indian family that became very rich in Singapore in the 80s and 90s. Their patriarch Rajabali Jumabhoy had migrated to Singapore from India in 1916, and they became influential pioneers in Singapore real estate. They developed their family property on Orchard Road into the first mall in Singapore, Scott’s Shopping Center, in 1982. 

During the eight year tenure of Rajabali’s grandson, Rafiq, as CEO, Rafiq was able to quadruple the value of the Scotts Holdings to over $600 million and broadened the company’s presence into service apartments, and property development along with subsidiaries in Singapore, the UK and Australia. 

Alas, family infighting and feuds destroyed the vast empire. Rajabali brought his son, Ameerali, to court in 1995. And Rafiq, Ameerali’s son, was caught in the crossfire of the dysfunctional family’s power struggle. Rafiq recalled how he went to New York for a day and a half and came back with a four hundred million dollar deal to buy Trump Tower. He got frustrated because the question he was asked was not about the deal but whether he travelled first class or economy!!! After years of fighting and lawsuits, the Jumabhoys lost control of their empire, which was acquired by CapitalLand. 

Today the family, once part of Singapore’s elite, keeps a low profile. 

Truly Jesus’ words ring true. Whether it is a kingdom, a country, a family, or even a business, if it is divided, it cannot stand the test of time.