Friday, February 3, 2006
Luke 12:51-52 "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three."
FEAR NOT THE REJECTION
The words in the passage above are the words of Jesus. Do they sound a little funny to you? Not too long ago we heard the angels announcing "peace on earth" to the shepherds in the field and now we hear the Lord saying that he didn't come to bring peace at all. Which is it? It is both.
Jesus does bring peace. You are at peace with God because of the suffering, death and resurrection of the Christ. The message of the Savior brings peace to the heart as well. It is good news complete with the Spirit's power to melt away fear and call forth hope and joy from the saddened inward parts.
But the same news that warms hearts also stirs things up. The gospel is a radical teaching. It takes away every shred of credit from man and gives all the glory and honor to the Lord Jesus. The sinful flesh hates that. Even though Jesus' preaching is the greatest news the world will ever hear, there will be those who will speak against it and against you because of it. The good news will not always be received with joy and gladness. Division and strife will become apparent even in families because of Christ.
As you share the word of God, revealing your Lord and Savior to others this Epiphany season and always, do not fear the rejection of the word which you will surely see from time to time. This type of reaction is to be expected. Keep your hopes high knowing that God's word will accomplish everything He desires (Isaiah 55) -- and that is expected too.
