Scripture: “Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matt 10:34
Observation: An often-overlooked statement by Jesus. Doesn’t sound like what we would tell each other, much less tell rookie disciples…
Application: How does this statement change the way I look at evangelism?
I hardly ever think about it except when I think about how Christianity is counter to the culture of the World. Really, if I take it to a logical conclusion like Jesus did in the subsequent verses in Matt 10, every contact that a Christian makes has a potential to be a conflict. Not a Live and Let Live conflict, but a battle, a war—a “take no prisoners” type of battle.
I expect a little bit of respect as a Christian I think. I want to do good for everyone I see. Loving, being gentle, doing a little healing and raising the dead along the way…(bad joke). Not being a bad dude should get some kind of respect, right?
Shows the attitude of my heart.
“A servant is not above his Master…”
Prayer: Father, I know that I am tussling with the concept of evangelism and candidly protecting my foolish pride. Kel talked about jumping in yesterday. That pricks my heart and I think more. Today I am thinking about the “being the moral police” side of evangelism. You didn’t. You proclaimed the Kingdom, the Gospel of my Sin being forgiven because of the Blood of the Lamb.
Why don’t I talk about that more? AMEN.