It seems as though the title of my post this morning should go without saying, but does it? As I read in Luke this morning I find that Jesus states that fathers will go against sons and sons against fathers.
“53They 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.” – Luke 12:53 (ESV)
This certainly caught me off guard when read only on its own. As such, and as always, the context and completeness of God’s Word is where the substance is, not in cherry picked verses. The entire passage is referring to the coming of Jesus to demonstrate the differences in following Him and following the world. He was sent to divide the world into those who follow Him and those who do not. And this is in reference to the fact that even in one household, there will be that division. That division is part of the plan.
I know what I was thinking in this instance, likely the same that you are thinking. How could the LORD be about division as opposed to unity? He is all about unity, as everyone, and I mean everyone has the opportunity to join Him. It is easy enough. The only thing required is to accept the gift of salvation and repent of the sinful ways and profess Jesus as LORD and you have joined Him. From then forward you will have Him on your side and regardless of the challenges you face, you will always, and I mean always have Him to fight your battles with you. Unless our families do the same, they will then be against us.
It is not our earthly family that we should be relying on as we move through this world, it is our heavenly family. And that family start with Jesus our heavenly Father. I have to place Him number one in my life to ensure that I am on the right side.
“21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:21-22 (ESV)
When we are in line with the Father, we are divided against the world. I have to remember to put the LORD in the number one position. He is where I focus my time and energy. He is where I go for comfort and guidance. He is where I go for glory and joy. It is fully worth it all to follow Him.
Where is the LORD in your life? Are you somehow trying to have it all with all? What if you placed Jesus number one in your life and world and allowed for the division in the name of the Father?
Trevor's Thoughts 