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
The NRSVue’s heading for the first part of today’s reading is “Jesus the Cause of Division.” To be honest, for most of my life this was confusing to me. Why would family members be so divided? But due to recent current events, I get it.
I have two long-time friends, who I’ve known have different political leanings from me. I have been okay with that, but now our differences often seem more critical. How do I deal with these friends? Why don’t they see actions around us in the same way I do? My heart breaks as I try to navigate these divisions.
Prayer
Jesus, guide me to know when to stand up and when to sit down. I know I can err on the side of feeling morally superior. Help me to know how to act and react to those with whom I disagree. Amen.
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