Peace...not quite

Matthew 10:34-39, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” This is one of those tough teachings of Jesus. Many who read these words try to imagine how they could possibly love a family member less than God. So they may choose to ignore this. Before we take an Exacto knife to our Bibles let’s think about what Jesus is telling us. His life and teachings are so revolutionary to the Temple status quo that there will be dissent and brokenness within families because of those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.

Have you ever known someone in your family or in a friend’s family who behaved this way toward a loved one? I have and it doesn’t feel good. Jesus was speaking from a position of experience – recall what happened at Capernaum in His own synagogue. There may be those around you who do not want the transformed you around them and will create a hostile environment just to keep you at bay.

Don’t be alarmed or worried, “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

Prayer: Merciful God we stand before You with trembling hearts. We’re fearful sometimes that we may not be able to live up to what we think are Your expectations of us. Help us to recognize that You will love us into our ‘born again’ fitted for your service. Eliminate our fears, strengthen our resolve and make us steadfast disciples even in the face of rejection and humiliation. In Jesus’ Name I pray. AMEN!