Luke 12:49-53 Not Peace; But, Division

Luke 12:49-53 NRSV
We often pray for peace on earth. But, Jesus says it was not peace that he was bringing to humankind. Rather, his coming brought division. Sounds a little contradictory when we remember that he also prays for unity and says on more than one occasion: "Peace, be with you."

His coming brought division between those who would follow Him and those who would not follow. I would say the division is between those who believe and those who do not; but, there are an awful lot of people who say they believe; yet, do not follow.

"And he said to them, 'Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.'”  (Luke 18:29-30)

And.... so, the two edged sword, who is the Word of God, who is Jesus the Christ, divides even earthly families. The family of God is not divided. We are united. We are reconciled to God and one another by the blood of Jesus Christ. Peace within the family of God; even when we are walking through fiery trials here on earth.

God' Peace - Pr. J

Micah 7 - Blood Thicker Than Blood

Micah warns that no shall be trusted - all will conspire against the followers of God - even one's family. Throughout my life, I have gone through many changes. At first, I naively trusted everyone. Then, I trusted no one. Finally, as I came to have a closer relationship with God, I was able, once again, to have trust in others. Not that I placed my trust in others, but that I placed my trust in God so that I was once again able to help others. I knew and know that no matter what others might do against me, God is with me for the good.

Sadly, I witness over and over again how true Micah's reminder and warning is.
"For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me." (Micah 7:6-7 NIV)

Greed, envy, jealousy; these all affect family relationships. Pride in self is a killer of families. Even among family members, one will put their own desires before another; before the good of family. When I worked at the youth correctional facility, I would warn the young men to please not move home when they were released. Many of their problems came from parents who put their own lives (often addictions) before the children. To move back home because of family blood ties would spell "prison sentence" for them in the end, as I knew that many of their family members would continue to lead them in lives of crime for the sake of their own desires. As the spiritual counselor, as well as the substance abuse counselor, I would remind them: "There is a blood that is thicker than blood and that is the blood of Christ shed for you."  

In Him we can trust.

God's Peace - Pr. J