Households Divided
Jesus came to divide those who follow Him from those who reject Him. Just as a drum shield creates necessary separation to improve the music, Christ creates a necessary division between salvation and condemnation. He came to cast fire upon the earth, a fire that reveals and purifies, that shows God's judgment and His refining work in our lives. But before that fire comes the baptism of the cross, where Jesus will be immersed in suffering to bear the weight of our sin. He looks forward to that moment when His sacrifice will accomplish redemption for all who believe in Him.
Your allegiance matters. The cross divides because it demands a choice from every person who hears the message. Will you follow Jesus or reject Him? Those who choose to follow will often be divided even from their own families, because His truth cuts through everything we build our lives on. But take heart, believer. Jesus knows suffering. He was acquainted with grief so that we might have peace with God, eternal peace that no worldly circumstance can shake. Do not be surprised if the world rejects you for following Him. Instead, hold fast to Christ, speak His truth with love, show the fruit of His Spirit, and trust that your hope rests not in this temporary life but in eternity with Him.
