Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
““Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, February 20, 2019
by Daniel D. Maurer Clergy Stuff
It makes me sad when I consider how incredibly prescient Jesus’ words were to his followers. The message of God’s love in Jesus Christ would bring (and, in fact, did bring) terrible persecution.
First, in the early church with the persecution of the Christians, both on a large, policy-scale, and also within families. But also think of everything that has happened over the next two millennia that believers have done “in Jesus’ name.” The crusades come to mind, first, but lots and lots of other strife was commonplace.
I hope that we have grown beyond that in our modern world, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m realistic. I also know that the Gospel isn’t something to be bashed over someone’s head. However . . . let’s face it: Jesus’ message IS radical. So radical that we’re bound to get backlash, no matter what. People are people, after all.
People are people, yes. But God is God, too. For that, thanks be to God as we push forward.
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