Division

This is quite a mouthful. They're pretty strong words, too. Read this slowly. Let the words sink into your spirit. Jesus is talking and He's got a word for all of us:

Matthew 10:34-38 - "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

I'm sure there are many families split because of Jesus. He asks a lot--He asks for commitment and withdrawal from many things, including family. I know many people from our church who were raised Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian and other denominations. Remember Jeannie I from the Holy Land Experience I mentioned earlier? She was raised in the Jewish traditions and asked me to pray for her father and brother who hadn't spoken to her for ten years after her conversion. Jesus tells us above that this could happen.

Jesus tells us we cannot love any other before Him.  And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Sound like a tough God with too many restrictions? His standards are high. He doesn't expect perfection (thankfully), just dedication.

We could very well be in for some difficult days ahead. And where do we turn if things around us begin to collapse? Will we try to muddle along in our own strength trying to work things out? Or will we look to God for what He promises to do for us--provide and protect? But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)

Our God is tough because He loves us so much--as any parent who has had to discipline their children--tough love. Everyone always says it's for their own good. Except with God it's a BIGGER type of tough love.

We are all like children to Him. We pout, stomp our feet, slam doors and say "no!" when it comes to God and all He wants is our attention and love. He wants our obedience. He wants submission to His all-knowing plans for us--the plans that will prosper us and not harm us and will give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). If we could get this idea squarely between our ears and into our hearts. But we do like Israel and submit when in distress only to revert back when things are going well...or reject completely, much to His dismay. He wants our whole heart. He wants us to prosper--not only financially but spiritually. Spiritual life is freedom, not a prison sentence. 

He's not saying to stop loving family but to love Him first. Put Him first in His rightful place as Creator of this earth and Creator of each of us. Letting God be first takes commitment, sacrifice and discipline. It's not just words but action. Remember, there's a wide road...and most assuredly it is in a spiritual wilderness. There is a falling away from religion taking place. That wide road is getting wider. Jesus is the narrow Way but His way is truth. We all like having wisdom and knowing the truth. Seek Him out. 

Be assured that no matter when you choose to decide to follow Him, He is more than happy to receive you. It's never too late. Despite what many may think, it IS freedom and life.

Psalm 13:3 - Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.