Do You Think I Have Come to Bring Peace?

This meditation is based on a passage for November 1, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 12:49-59

Reflection and Question: To Jesus’ provocative question “Do you think I have come to bring peace?” I plead guilty. I cling to the angels’ promise to the shepherds on Christmas, “On earth peace.” In my life, I have seen the use of Jesus’ words here to excuse family strife over Christian teaching. I have even seen what looks like the fomenting of disagreement in order to fulfill Jesus’ predictions here. Human nature being what it is, of course Jesus is right that living as He does will bring trouble, even with those we love. It certainly did for Him and it also does for us. However, we don’t need to seek it out. When have you seen child against parent over faith in Christ?

Prayer: Jesus, our Lord, we confess we prefer You as meek and mild. We tremble at the word that you “came to bring fire to the earth.” Help us remember these are Your words about You. For ourselves, we shall try to settle the case, as You advise. Amen.