The Daily Devotion

by Ellen M. Smith

Matthew 10:34-42: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (v.34)

I do not believe Jesus meant that peace is not desirable, but rather that we should avoid “peace at any price.” More to be desired than peace is a heart for God that is willing to take a stand on behalf of His plan. That presupposes that we can know His plan or at least follow His guidance. That means we should read His Word, listen to His voice and see His action in others. Jesus means to encourage us to stand in the face of discouragement and doubt. We are to battle satanic forces that would deceive and destroy.

It is plain that Jesus did not intend his remarks to be an excuse for genocide or for turning family members in to the Gestapo. He is telling his disciples they have a hard road ahead of them; so hard that even friends and family may turn against them. For those expecting a military hero, He is an unacceptable Messiah. How many times do we miss present-day prophets because they do not fit our image? I knew a man 40 years ago who prophesied difficult times for the church of which he was a member. The people refused to listen and wanted to evict him from the premises, but the rector said no. The prophecy proved to be true. The church is intact today, but the congregation went through a hard period. It is true that we are not to listen to everyone crying in the wilderness because some are deceivers. But some are not. We are to seek Gods wisdom in all matters.

Today's readings: Ezekiel 47:1-12; Psalms 137, 144; 1 John 3:11-18

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