Isaiah 5:1-7 or Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 or Psalm 82
Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Choosing a Christian life doesn’t mean that we will be immune to conflicts in our lives. In fact, Jesus makes it a point in Luke 12 that it’s quite likely the opposite will happen.
The great peacemaker, Jesus himself, exclaims, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” He went on to describe how members of a family may be sharply divided because of this.
We must be clear that it isn’t Jesus’ intent to cause trouble between family members, or between people within a society. Actually, he wants peace and harmony not only in families, but throughout the world. But he also knows that the message he brings, the wisdom he offers about how we should be living together and treating each other, will bring joy to some, and fear to others.
The wisdom that Jesus teaches us for living together is radical. And by radical I mean that it’s so different from the way people normally live that it will either be embraced as something wonderful because of the change it offers, or it will be viciously attacked because of the change it threatens. It all depends on one’s perspective, and that’s what causes the division.
Jesus taught that there should be equality and unity among people; that we are all in the same family of God; God is our Parent, and we are all his children. This doesn’t set well with racists, bigots, or chauvinists.
Jesus taught an economy that provided the basic food, clothing and shelter to every person who is incapable of working, or who is willing to work, whether or not they can find sufficient work. This doesn’t set well with those who cringe at the thought of somebody getting something they didn’t work for.
Jesus taught us to be honest and fair with everyone. But this doesn’t set well with those who bend the rules a little here and there to increase their profit, sometimes at the expense and health of consumers.
Jesus taught us to respect nature and all of God’s creation. But this doesn’t set well with those who can make a profit at the expense of our food, air, water, soil, and wildlife.
Jesus taught us that the worth of a person should be determined by what’s in his or her heart, not by how big their house is, or what kind of car they’re driving, or if they are physically attractive. This doesn’t set well with advertisers and product developers who depend on creating needs and wants where they don’t exist naturally.
Jesus taught us to love our neighbor. What? Even if that neighbor has a different belief about God? Even if they don’t pay their employees fairly? Even if they make way too much money? Even if they’re a racist? Or a bigot? Even if they’re homeless? Even if they’re lazy?
Yes.
Jesus’ wisdom is radical because it challenges us to love our neighbors at the same time we work to bring more of God’s loving ways to this earth. Yes, there should be peace and harmony among all people, and with the earth. But, yes, our activism will also bring conflict because it challenges old norms and standards. Some will like this change, and some won’t.
Regardless, those we are in conflict with should be treated as children of God, with respect and reverence, says Jesus. We should also seek to be conciliatory, if possible, while we work toward our goals with gentle assertiveness. But we don’t compromise on God’s love.
Each one of us plays a significant role in God’s overall plan. Each one of us has been given some special gift that comes into play at specific moments during the day. These things may not seem big to us – it may be just a well-placed blessing, a smile, a word of appreciation, a few minutes of listening, a helping hand, a piece of art, or admiration of God’s creation. But they are huge to our God.
We all have something that fits in somewhere. Together, collectively as God’s children, we bring God's love to this world that is so desperately needed – resulting, perhaps, in a new heaven and a new earth.
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