◄ What Does Matthew 10:34 Mean? ►

Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel in fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. Quite early in His earthly ministry, He gave His twelve disciples authority over unclean spirits, and to heal every kind of disease and sickness. Before sending them out He taught them the meaning of discipleship to help them understand that genuine and sincere discipleship would not be an easy road... rather it would result in many conflicts, hardships, rejections, persecutions, and possibly death.

Jesus had come at God's appointed time to announce that He was the promised Messiah of Israel, sent from heaven to bring in the promised kingdom of heaven on earth. Isaiah 11 describes the glories of this kingdom of peace and prosperity, but first His people, Israel, must turn from their apostate ways. Zacharias prophesied that Jesus, the son of Mary, was God's promised Dayspring from on High, the Prophet of Whom Moses spoke, Who would come to rescue His people from the hand of their enemies: "And guide our feet into the way of peace."

However, to achieve the peace OF God that we all desire so deeply, sinful man must first have peace WITH God, through faith in Jesus Christ. When He came to earth so many years ago, the Lord Jesus came to finish the transgression to make an end of sin, and to make atonement for iniquity through His sacrificial death so that He could bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up vision and prophecy, and anoint the most holy place.

"You believe in God," He told Israel, "believe also in ME." "This is the work of God," He taught them, "that you believe in Him whom He has sent." Israel were to believe in Christ as their Messiah if Jesus were to finish the work that God called Him to do and bring in God's kingdom on earth. But the prophet Micah foretold the people of Israel would be deeply divided over the question of Christ's Messianic role.

Some, like Peter, would believe on Him: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Many would reject Him, which would cause deep conflict and great division between friends and cause terrible family feuds. Christ's message was indeed a message of peace as proclaimed by the angels and as can be seen in teachings like the Sermon on the Mount. However, every individual, then as now, must choose to believe in Him or reject His offer of salvation, which too often results in terrific acrimony. 'What think ye of Christ?' is the question we all have to face.

Although Christ is Prince of Peace and will one day reign on earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, He knew that His message of salvation would cause tremendous division, even splitting asunder precious family relationships, because the message of the Cross is diametrically opposed to the old sin nature of man: "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword," was His astonishing admission.

Even though as believers, our first instinct may be to strive for peace through worldly methods, we are not to compromise the truth of God's Word or bow to ungodly agendas that discredit God's Word. Rather, we are called to contend earnestly for the truth of God's Word and to stand firm in our faith and calling.

We are called to proclaim the truth of God's Word, even when it is unpopular. We are called to be a light to the world and to stand up for what is right. This is not an easy battle, but one that we must fight with courage and faith. When we do, we can be sure that God will be with us, fighting for us and giving us the strength we need to stand firm in our faith. 

True peace can only be found in a relationship with Jesus. He is our source of strength and courage. Let us cling to Him, seek His counsel, and trust Him to lead us in the paths of righteousness. Through Him, we can have true and lasting peace, no matter what storms may come our way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to us. I know that through His death, I was made right with You. I recognise that His coming was not to bring peace in the world, but to bring a sword that is able to divide the world between those who will accept His love and those who will reject it. Give me courage to stand for the truth of Your Word even in the face of opposition. Help me to trust in You even when it means going against the world. As I face these conflicts, fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.