| Come with me and read and study this passage | | | | thankful to our loving God. |
| in the New Testament - in Luke Chapter 12 and | | | | Jesus, in verse 50, is referring to His death, then |
| verses 49 to 59. We have been reading this | | | | He asks a question. "Do you think I have come to |
| lengthy section where Jesus is speaking specifically | | | | bring peace on earth?" Then, Jesus answers it. |
| to disciples - and none of this could really be | | | | "No. I divide." |
| applied until Jesus had been to the Cross - until | | | | Preaching the gospel itself will never bring world |
| Jesus had been raised from the dead - and until | | | | peace. Only Jesus can give peace and bring peace. |
| the Church was birthed through the pouring out | | | | Nothing is going to bring peace except Jesus |
| of the Holy Spirit. | | | | Christ, and that will happen when He returns. |
| Jesus Christ has been speaking to these disciples | | | | Yes - we work for peace - and we aim at |
| about faithfulness - about being ready for that | | | | bringing peace wherever we can - always pointing |
| day when He shall reappear - about being ready | | | | to Jesus Christ, the source of Love and Peace - |
| for His coming again. This is in a section dealing | | | | always remembering that preaching Jesus Christ |
| with dangers which the disciple could face - | | | | and His Word can bring division. Now, Jesus says |
| hypocrisy - fear - greed - worry - and diversions | | | | that! And, it is pointless praying against what Jesus |
| which could side-track him. | | | | says! (Now remember we said - right at the very |
| How easily could you be side-tracked or diverted | | | | beginning of this section - that people say - "O |
| from following Jesus Christ? Many have found and | | | | just stick to the words of Jesus - just keep to |
| are finding that faithful, obedient, joyous | | | | the teaching of Jesus!") Which words and which |
| discipleship is not all that easy. That is because | | | | teaching? |
| there is a Cross to carry - even when you are | | | | This is one of the consequences of preaching and |
| joyful and seeking to worship joyously. | | | | sharing witnessing and testifying to Jesus Christ. |
| Following these serious and sobering words which | | | | Jesus came to rescue and save and heal and |
| we read regarding being ready and faithful as we | | | | forgive and love man - but sin in rebellious hearts |
| await His re-appearing - Jesus goes on indicate | | | | refused Christ entry - and still refuses Christ |
| that His Mission would not only be disturbing - but | | | | entry - that can lead to division. Jesus is very |
| also divisive. | | | | specific. |
| I have come to bring fire upon the earth. Jesus | | | | The teaching of the Word of God will divide some |
| goes on to speak about his baptism of suffering - | | | | homes and some families. It will bring some |
| suffering is going to saturate Him - soak Him. | | | | together, and it will cause some to part asunder. |
| Jesus is going to be plunged in suffering. This | | | | This can and does cause deep upset. What |
| distressed Jesus - He has to go through it - He | | | | situation do you find yourself in today? If you |
| will complete the task - for which we are most | | | | need help this day, get it. |