Luke 12:49-56 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:49-56 on biblegateway.com
Verse 49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Verse 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! Verse 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; Verse 53they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Verse 54He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'It is going to rain'; and so it happens. Verse 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. Verse 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Devotion
Recently, my husband and I drove only as curious lookers to an open house of a beautiful lake home near our cabin. In spite of the yard sign advertising the Open House, we were surprised to see only two other cars there.
Walking in the door we were greeted by a woman who replied kindly to our question about taking off our shoes, “I don’t believe I know who you are.” Quickly we came to realize that we were a week early for the open house. We had a nice little chat with the owner and made our way back home with lots of laughter at our lack of attention to details.
As I read about Jesus admonishing the crowd that they know how to interpret the weather by the signs of clouds and wind and yet do not know how to interpret his ministry, I think, how often do I not pay close enough attention to God’s word? Or overlook key details?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to have solid footing in hearing your word with all of heart, mind and soul. Guide us in the actions you are calling us to take to show your love, your grace, your mercy to all. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.