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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We move on to Luke Chapter 12 and verses 49 to 59. We are reading this lengthy section where Jesus is speaking specifically to disciples - and none of this could really be applied until Jesus had been to the Cross - until Jesus had been raised from the dead - and until the Church was birthed through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has been speaking to these disciples about faithfulness - about being ready
for that day when He shall reappear - about being ready for His coming again. This is in a section dealing with dangers which the disciple could face - hypocrisy - fear - greed - worry - and diversions which could side-track him. How easily could you be side-tracked or diverted from following Jesus Christ? Many have found and are finding that faithful obedient joyous discipleship is not all that easy. That is because there is a Cross to carry – even when you are joyful and seeking to worship joyously.
Following these serious and sobering words which we read regarding being ready and faithful as we await His re-appearing - Jesus goes on indicate that His Mission would not only be disturbing - but also divisive.
I have come to bring fire upon the earth. Jesus goes on to speak about his baptism of suffering - suffering is going to saturate Him - soak Him. Jesus is going to be plunged in suffering. This distressed Jesus - He has to go through it - He will complete the task - for which we are most thankful to our loving God.
Jesus, in verse 50, is referring to His death, then He asks a question. "Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth?" Then, Jesus answers it. "No. I divide."
Preaching the gospel itself will never bring world peace. Only Jesus can give peace and bring peace. Nothing is going to bring peace except Jesus Christ, and that will happen when He returns.
Yes - we work for peace - and we aim at bringing peace wherever we can - always pointing to Jesus Christ, the source of Love and Peace – always remembering that preaching Jesus Christ and His Word can bring division. Now, Jesus says that! And it is pointless praying against what Jesus says! (Now remember we said - right at the very beginning of this section - that people say – “O just stick to the words of Jesus - just keep to the teaching of Jesus!”) Which words and which teaching?
This is one of the consequences of preaching and sharing witnessing and testifying to Jesus Christ. Jesus came to rescue and save and heal and forgive and love man - but sin in rebellious hearts which refuse Christ entry - and still refuses Christ entry - that can lead to division. Jesus is very specific.
The teaching of the Word of God will divide some homes and some families. It will bring some together, and it was cause some to part asunder. This can and does cause deep upset. What situation do you find yourself in today? If you need help this day, get it.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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