“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34–39, NIV 1984).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26–27, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Strangely enough, the peace that the world gives has come almost exclusively at the point of a “sword.” But a lasting peace, “the beating of swords into plowshares,” where nations do not “train for war anymore” has proven to be beyond fallen mankind’s capability. When it comes for a time we are afraid it will not last. When it doesn’t last our hearts are troubled. Forever in turmoil of soul.
The peace that Christ gives is not like the peace that the world gives. For those who obtain it, it surpasses all understanding. Why? Because when the “sword” comes against it we need not be troubled or afraid. And as Jesus said, He did not come to bring peace to the earth. He came so that man could have peace with Him. Not all understand what He offers. It causes division between nations and division within households. Division between those who come to peace through Christ and those who do not. It brings a sword. If not one that pierces flesh, at least one that pierces hearts.
My Advice – The literal sword has come to many believers in other countries. Taking up their cross, they are losing their lives for His sake, but retaining their peace with God. If you have been spared the sword where you live, know for a certainty that it is coming. But, “do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” To the extent we can be, let’s be “worthy of [Him].” God’s peace is mightier than the sword.
The Brew Is A Musing 