A Sword

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."  - Matthew 10:34

Isaiah declared that the Messiah would be the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). And when the angels announced Jesus' birth, they proclaimed "peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:14). Indeed, peace was central to His ministry. Yet Jesus said He "did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Why?       He spoke these words after calling the 12 to be His disciples. He gave them authority and then sent them to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons," saying, "Freely you received, freely give" (v. 8). He warned that they would face attacks and fierce opposition. They would be "sheep in the midst of wolves" (v. 16). They needed to be ready to stand firm and be bold about confessing their relationship with Him "before men" (v. 32).       The disciples could not be under any illusions. Being a follower of Jesus meant stepping into battle. This was a battle in which they could not be guaranteed the support or loyalty even of their friends or family, for Jesus warned that "a man's enemies will be the members of his household" (v. 36). There certainly was no guarantee of popularity.       They had to be sure of their personal commitment and ready to fight. They had to love God and His Kingdom more than anything else, and they had to be willing to risk everything to follow Jesus. There could be no compromise.       This same message remains true today. Yes, Jesus came to bring peace. As we follow Him, trust Him, obey Him, and are filled with the Spirit, we can have peace in our hearts in any situation. But we also can expect to face opposition, rejection, and persecution at times. We must make a firm, unshakable, uncompromising commitment to follow Jesus-no matter what comes our way.       Make sure that you are prepared...committed...sold out.