Peace On Earth? Really?

Weekend Message/Devotion

August 18, 2019

Peace on Earth? Really?

Luke 12:49-56

Sermon Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I stand before Your people, to deliver Your message. Though the words are mine and I prepared this message, I pray that this message is Your message in its entirety. I pray your blessing and anointing on the message, its delivery, its reception - and most of all, its application in our lives.” Amen

Weekend Message/Devotion

Luke shares with us some pretty eyebrow raising statements from Jesus Himself.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.” Verses 51-52.

These words straight from the mouth of Jesus! Would you have ever thought to hear them from the Lord? He says that He didn’t come to bring us peace on earth. He came to bring us division.

You and I know that the division among the peoples of our great nation and all over the world are about as divided as never before seen in history. Pick your own category – social standing – race- religious beliefs – religious practices (not to be confused with beliefs) – gender and gender preference – social justice – politics – interpretation of laws – enforcement of laws – and on and on. We are a divided people here on earth. Reconciliation and/or tolerance appears to be a thing of the past among civilization.

So, where do we find peace? We find peace in the very person of Christ!

“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1

If we find peace in the Lord, why do we also find strife and division? Could it be that family, friends and acquaintances are opposed to our newly found or declared FAITH? Thus, they seek to distance themselves from us physically or intellectually.

How often we see newly converted believers being mocked or abandoned by friends and family as a result of their newly professed faith!

John tells us that even the brothers of Jesus doubted Him in chapter 7:5. Further reading, we actually see the divisiveness in full display.

“For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”

(John 7:5-12)

It is incumbent upon seasoned Christians and churches to embrace and encourage new converts in every way possible. One very important way is to get them involved in the church in some meaningful way. Offer them training to serve in any of the ministries of the church. Certainly, include them in the social life of the church.

When we get to verse 34, Jesus really chides us about our faith and practice. We may not all be meteorologists but when the sky turns dark and the breeze picks up, we usually predict a coming shower.

“And He said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so, it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?”

Wow, that even stings a little bit today, if you think about it. We can put a man on the moon. The weatherman can tell us days ahead of time whether to grab an umbrella, a light or heavy coat and even brace for a coming hurricane. But so many people of today just can’t seem to grasp and hold on to the FACT that eternal life, eternal peace, and eternal love are all right before us, just for the asking.

If you have not asked and have any desire to – here’s how:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I know you died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask you to forgive me. I now invite you into my heart and life. I now trust you as Savior and follow you as Lord. Thank you for saving me.” Amen