The Continental Divide...
Matthew 10:34-39
34 “Don’t suppose that I have come to bring peace to the Land. It is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword! 35 For I have come to set
36 a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, so that a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.
37 Whoever loves his father or mother more than he loves me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than he loves me is not worthy of me. 38 And anyone who does not take up his execution-stake and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his own life will lose it, but the person who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Micah 7:6
For a son insults his father,
a daughter rises against her mother,
daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law —
a person’s enemies are the members of his own household.
The bolded words above are Jesus quoting from the book of Micah. I'm sure that when Micah spoke the Words to the Israelites they sounded just as harsh as when Jesus spoke them. It is never easy to hear words that seem to "divide."
To be honest, these words are difficult to read. They seem to go against other words of love that Jesus tells the people. He tells them to "turn the other cheek." "Forgive." So, how can He say that He brings a sword? How can He say that He doesn't bring peace?
Here is a link to one possible thought about why Jesus said these words:
Jerusalem was divided. It was torn apart. Families split up and sent out. The Israelites were "scattered among the nations" and it caused great division.
When these divisions happen to us, it feels like the continental divide. It feels like there will always be a "division" between people. Yes, the earth will shake and there will be struggles and uncertainty. However, we KNOW that HE is with us and HE will guide us. Give up what He needs you to release. There is freedom in "giving up." The Words, "The person who loses his life will find it" could not be more true.
Today, be thankful that HE is coming again and will bring PEACE. Hold on to the promises that HE will give you strength to make it to that day. Until that day comes, SHARE HIS love with those around you. Some will receive it, some will not. You focus on what HE gives you, and walk the narrow road with Him beside you.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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