Good Friday Everyone:
Since this is Good Friday, which is all about Jesus's allegiance to God, for the people's sake; I thought that I would address His expectation of allegiance from His people.
Man's observation of division may not necessarily be according to Paul’s assessment:
Avoid Divisive People
Romans 16: ¹⁷And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
Indeed, if you have judged and operate according to this text, the instruction includes staying away from the "reward," (whether for sports or anything else) as well: Otherwise you walk and/or in hypocrisy.
Testing of Faith:
The divisions predicted in this verse can be a test of faith, as it forces individuals to choose whether to remain in a comfortable status quo or to follow Jesus, even if it means facing opposition from family and friends. Certainly, family, as it is referenced in the Bible, includes our brothers and sisters in the faith, starting at the church. One's calling is not according to Paul's perception, but rather Jesus's purpose:
Not Peace But Division
Luke 12 ⁵¹"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵²From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Since this is Good Friday, which is all about Jesus's allegiance to God, for the people's sake; I thought that I would address His expectation of allegiance from His people.
Man's observation of division may not necessarily be according to Paul’s assessment:
Avoid Divisive People
Romans 16: ¹⁷And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
Indeed, if you have judged and operate according to this text, the instruction includes staying away from the "reward," (whether for sports or anything else) as well: Otherwise you walk and/or in hypocrisy.
Testing of Faith:
The divisions predicted in this verse can be a test of faith, as it forces individuals to choose whether to remain in a comfortable status quo or to follow Jesus, even if it means facing opposition from family and friends. Certainly, family, as it is referenced in the Bible, includes our brothers and sisters in the faith, starting at the church. One's calling is not according to Paul's perception, but rather Jesus's purpose:
Not Peace But Division
Luke 12 ⁵¹"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵²From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Discernment is key.
When we sin against one another, it not only causes division among brethren, it separates us from God. I caused no division. The division was already there, caused by the sin which man had committed against his brethren; both in the church and city. God simply elected me to sound the trumpet of warning: "Tell My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins."
Sometimes it simply comes down to choosing between Jesus and the things, even the people who mean the most to us; trusting that, according to His perfect will and timing, God will reconcile as need be. Man's observation of this level of allegiance is quite often misjudged and met with hostility. But God takes no pleasure in those who remove their hand from the plow: for there is no place in His kingdom for cowards.
What will you choose when called? Will you choose to save your life (preserve the lifestyle to which you' have become accustomed) to satisfy man's expectations? Or, will you choose, perhaps to the disappointment of many, to risk it all and answer the call to follow Jesus, even into the unknown, as Abraham so chose?
1 Corinthians 4 (NIV)
² Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
~
⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Thank You LORD
Recommended Reading: Luke 4:14-30
