Jesus is speaking. I’m not sure how many people are listening – a crowd of thousands has been gathering, but these words are in response to Peter’s question … "I came to set fire to the world, and I wish it were already burning! I have a baptism to suffer through, and I feel very troubled until it is over. Do you think I came to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I came to divide it. I’ve also seen this translated, “No, I came to make people choose sides.” From now on, a family with five people will be divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." So, division is a good thing now? Well, maybe, if you’re listening to God. But when I read this passage I find myself remembering the George Bernard Shaw quote: “Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.” And the more recent rejoinder, “Just because you’re unreasonable doesn’t mean you’re making progress”. “Just because you’re divided doesn’t mean that you’re listening to God.” I have not found a better way to listen to God than in weekly Bible studies. If you are in a weekly Bible study, that’s great. If you are considering participating in a weekly Bible study, go for it. If you don’t have one available to you, please let me know, because you’d be surprised at how resourceful God can be when he’s getting his message across. But please don’t let other people tell you what God is saying, without checking their math. Your understanding of God is much too precious to leave in the hands of fallible people. Then Jesus said to the people, "When you see clouds coming up in the west, you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it happens. When you feel the wind begin to blow from the south, you say, 'It will be a hot day,' and it happens. Hypocrites! You know how to understand the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don't you understand what is happening now? Your answer may be different, but mine, speaking only for myself, is that I don’t see, because I am finding interesting distractions and diversions that keep me from noticing clouds and winds and whatever else I could be noticing … I’m only surprised because I wasn’t watching. This week, please pray with me: - For Sarah and Danny, and for Mikayla Marie and Sandra Elise, born last Wednesday night/Thursday morning, and all have done well and are headed home from the hospital, as of a few minutes ago (no visitors, please, because they are still about five weeks premature).
- For Christine, as she recovers from successful spinal surgery – already back in rehab, and very grateful for our prayers.
- For friends who are starting school, at a variety of levels.
- For friends who are considering serving God, in a variety of ways.
Christ lives in you. Spencer the wonder hamster |
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