Division on earth
Day 478, Tuesday, Dec. 2
Luke 12:49 – Chapter 14
One of the most loved phrases during the Christmas season comes from Luke, chapter 2. We’re familiar with the King James Version rendition, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
That appears to be a direct contradiction to what Jesus says in 12:51, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
How can we reconcile these two statement?
First, it helps to look at other translations of 2:14. In the New International Version it is rendered as, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
That version, more typical of newer translations, seems to limit the promise of peace somewhat—and is closer to what history shows us actually occurred with the birth of Jesus.
As the birth of Jesus ushered in the beginning of his kingdom on earth that will culminate with his return we have seen that it also brought a sharp division between those who have embraced that good news and those who have rejected it. That is what Jesus means in chapter 12 when he speaks of bringing division.
But history also proves the truth of what is said in chapter 2. For those on whom God’s favor rests—that is, those who have embraced the good news—his arrival has brought peace.
Our peace is not gained by absence of conflict with the people and culture around us, but with the absence of conflict within ourselves and between us and God.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Tuesday meditation
Psalms 36:1-12
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen—thrown down, not able to rise!
Prayer focus
Lord, plant your peace in our hearts even within the division that surrounds us.