Not Peace, But A Sword

 

 

 Matthew 10: 34-11:1

 Our Mission

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

As Disciples, we desire peace, harmony and unity, but as Jesus reminds us, this will not always be the case. Taking up the cross means pain, misunderstanding,sometimes  alienation and even the loss of life as we witness those who have been martyred for their faith and preaching. It's not always peace but often the sword that comes with living and spreading the Gospel. Jesus also reminds us that our preaching can be a simple action, like giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty. Actions as well as words make for effective preaching and teaching. May these few but poignant verses motivate us to be willing and effective evangelizers who are willing to pay the price, whatever that might be.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, with your strength and grace and I can be an effective disciple. Lead and guide me. Amen.