Matthew 10:34-37
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me...
It is specifically mentioned here that "the Lord did not come to bring peace, but a sword". It is hard to interpret this verse literally. To understand the meaning of "sword", one has to understand the Jewish culture. At that time, when two Jews couldn't come to an agreement, and the people on the sideline could not agree as well, the only way to solve is to throw a sword on the ground and then ask everyone take a stand. For those who agree with me, stand on this side of the sword. For those who agree with him, stand on the other side of the sword. Thus the meaning of "bring a sword" is not to fight with a sword, but to ask everyone to take a stand. Faith requires taking a stand. We can't straddle two boats. Bible say, "You cannot serve both God and Money", we have to take a stand.
This scripture passage is not teaching us that we shall not love our parents. But when our love for other things is more than our love and obedience to the Lord, we are walking on a worldly path, away from God. God ask us to take a stand. What's the most precious thing in life? Not to say that worldly people are bad. But we need to take a stand on the principle when it comes to authority of God. God has blessed us with our family and wonderful things in this world - Those are all God's grace. We, however, allow these blessings to become an obstacle against our following God, following Jesus Christ our Lord. The Lord mentioned that there was a person who set up a big banquet. He invited many guests. By the time the banquet started, none showed up. So he sent out his servant to invite them again. But those who were invited refused. The first one said that 'I just purchased a piece of land, I have to take look at it'. The second said that 'I bought an ox and needed to try it out'. The third said that 'I just got married'. In the end, none of the three can enjoy God's grace. This parable reminds us that not all things that prevent us from being close to God are bad things. But if we let those things prevent us from being close to God, it could be our life long regret.
What do you value the most in your life today? The Lord did not teach us to not love our parents and children, but the most important thing is that God has authority over our life. Let us ask ourselves whether we are willing to make Jesus Christ our Lord, follow Him in our daily lives. Have you made up your mind to follow Jesus, and to be the Lord's disciple?
Prayer with Pastor Tong Liu,
Lord, we thank you because you loved us, and sacrificed for us first. May we follow your example, sacrifice ourselves to follow you. You taught us to make your name great, not allowing earthly things to rob our love and admiration for you. May you bless brothers and sisters to follow you closely every day. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus Christ, amen! |
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