Loving Word be with the needs and challenges of this dear reader in all they may face today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 12: 49 "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52 From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." 54 He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, "It is going to rain'; and so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, "There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Have you ever been anxious about a big day coming up? What feelings do you have about a task you have to complete, but the time isn't quite right? Such is the anxiousness that Jesus was feeling in the midst of the discourses He was having with his disciples as they encountered opposition from all sides, and yet the crowds were responding to their message. Jesus knew that all Heaven was going to break loose when the Holy Spirit would come upon these His beloved disciples. And yet, while it was a task of reconciliation with God, Jesus knew human nature, and not all would be in favor of such a reconcilation. Jesus knows that in a household, not all think alike. We nicely say, "We're not on the same page," when we sometimes mean, "You should have heard the shouting going on as we 'discussed' this topic/issue/problem." How often do we see churches where in one row of seats or pews there is a multigenerational family sitting happily as worship begins? And this is in reference to those families where this could physically take place. In others, families have moved away or live in a different part of the state or nation, but what about those where folks have not left, yet they have not shared a commitment to church?
To follow Christ requires the fire and passion of the Holy Spirit and not all choose it. Jesus knew that not would have the same thirst for His presence in their lives, but those who did and who did find Him, would find within their close circle of family and friends those who did not understand or would oppose such things. Yesterday a dear sister shared how she serves on a committee where one of the members takes great pride in saying he does not believe in God. His behavior is a dead give-away, she said. This man has gone through five marriages and has an uneasiness that comes out in bitterness and attack. And yet he wonders why others seek and find God. A little later I had a visit with a dear brother who said he used to make fun of those who attend his church. And he said, "Here I am now, the one who opens the doors, makes the coffee and makes sure everything is ready for worship each Sunday. God is good!"
We have, thanks to the presence of Christ in our lives, a lot to offer, but we do so knowing that not all will be receptive and not all will be friendly about it. Ours is still that which keeps us on the right path we know.
PRAYER: Loving God, bless those who do not yet believe. May I be an example of patience and love as I encounter those who have uneasy spirits because Your Spirit has not yet come to reside in them. Mine is just to plant a seed of love and hope through my actions, words, and thoughts. May You do the rest; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
