Category: Daily Prayer

Jesus is uncharacteristically stern in His lesson recorded in Luke 12:49-56. He warns that He has come to bring division, not peace. I was a little shocked the first time I read that passage, as Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but He has good reason to shock us into listening.

He knows that the time will come when we will be divided over our acceptance or rejection of Him. We are told that “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.” (Matthew 25:32-33). He is saying that all the other divisions we find among ourselves will be meaningless when this occurs, that at the last day the only thing that counts is our faith in Him.

Jesus grabs our attention with the firmness of this teaching, wanting us to understand how essential this choice is – life or death! Our decision has eternal importance and He wants us to realize our relationship with God is the only thing that will matter when He returns for us. He has promised to come back again; will we be ready?

Gracious God, You sent Jesus to teach us and show us how important it is to have a connection toYou. Help us to follow His example, loving You and our neighbors, and sharing the joy of the Good News with everyone. Amen.

In Luke 12:49-56 Jesus is very passionate about what He wants us to understand. We sometimes are lulled into thinking that He was always “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” and while He loves us, He is concerned by our failure to grasp the meaning of what He teaches. He is very animated in this passage, using strident language to awaken our sense of urgency.

Jesus knows we are not getting the picture, so He uses the example of a family divided to illustrate the point that regardless of how we divide ourselves by group or affiliation, there are really only two groups: those who accept Him as Lord and Savior and those who do not. This is the decision that each of us must make for ourselves. Jesus wants to save us all and He was willing to prove it through His obedience to God’s plan.

Our obedience is based first on acceptance of Jesus and then on continuing relationship with God and learning His plan for us. We must learn to be obedient as Jesus was, and follow His example. Only through our intentional acceptance of His grace can we hope to live with Him forever.

Loving Lord, help us to see that only You can save us, and that we must choose to be in relationship with You. Let us learn from Your example and the love we show each other what it means to be part of the family of God. Amen.

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?
Luke 12:49-56

In our passage for the week Jesus shares His concern (and perhaps a little frustration) at His followers lack of understanding. He warns that we will experience division among those who accept Him and those who choose their own way. We still see that truth today.

He also points out that we see the signs of things to come on earth, like the weather indicators, but we are unable or unwilling to see the signs of the coming of God’s kingdom. Our self-centered lives often prevent us from being aware of the love God sends and His word given to guide us. Jesus says we must pay attention or we may miss it!

How can we listen more intently and live more fully for God today? Take time to consider all He gives us and offer thanks. Share His love with those around us, and share the Good News that they are invited as well.

Heavenly Father, we are so busy with our earthly pursuits we often miss what You want us to hear. Help us to be intentional in our faith and make time for what is most important – our connection to You. Amen.

He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Luke 12:54-56

Jesus uses something the crowds are familiar with – weather watching – to lead them to His next point. We know how the world works because we live here and we’re used to the things we encounter. The weather was of vital importance to people then for their crops and their safety. Jesus tells us that we need a deeper understanding of heavenly matters to be fruitful in our discipleship and to be ready when He returns.

We learn about weather by paying attention, listening to others and learning how it works. Jesus teaches us what we need to know about eternal things, but we don’t seem to give the same attention to the coming of the kingdom as we do the weather! We become so concerned about the things here that we don’t notice what God is saying to us every day.

Prayer, scripture and fellowship with our brothers and sisters are the tools we need to “interpret the present time” as Jesus says. Much like the weather, we can’t accurately predict when He will return, but He gave us His promise that it would happen. We will not know the exact time, but we can use the gifts God has given us to prepare for His coming!

Gracious God, we are thankful that You call us to be part of the work of Your kingdom. Help us to be faithful workers, aware of the tasks You have for us, ready to welcome Jesus at His coming. Amen.

“From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:52-53

Jesus has a couple of important lessons for us in these verses. He continues His explanation that people will be in conflict because of His teaching. I think He is also leading us to a deeper truth about salvation. Let’s unpack this a little.

Jesus warns that families will be divided because of their belief in Him. He lists some of the closest relationships we know, father and son, mother and daughter, and says they will be pitted against each other. Does Jesus want this? Certainly not, but He is painfully aware that some will choose to follow Him and some will not.

This leads to the next unspoken point – each must choose for themselves, no one will be forced to accept Him, and no one else can choose for them. It is up to each of us to hear Christ’s message of forgiveness and hope and choose to be His disciple. He is gently telling us that even though we make that choice, our closest friends and relatives may not. We can’t save anyone, only Jesus can save us; and every individual must make that decision alone. We are called to share the joy of our relationship and nurture others as they decide for themselves.

Gracious God, we want everyone to know Your love, and we want to share that in our world. Help us to support our brothers and sisters on their path to knowing and accepting You. Amen.

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51

Did Jesus just tell us that He came to divide us? As a matter of fact, He did. I don’t believe that was God’s intention, but He certainly knew what the effect would be. Jesus told us that some would willingly choose not to accept God’s love and forgiveness.

While He was with us, people had strong feelings about Him – one way or another. Jesus knew His presence and His call on people’s lives would stir up emotions as some chose to follow Him and others firmly turned away. He certainly didn’t want to divide us, but He knew that we would divide ourselves by our own choice.

How sad that we did this to ourselves and continue to do so today, especially within the body of Christ. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Even when we are divided over issues, it is essential that we agree to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and share God’s love.

Loving Lord, help us to see each other as You see us and not as adversaries to be challenged and defeated. Let Your love cover us and bring us home as Your children. Amen.

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!”
Luke 12:49-50

Jesus begins a lesson with a statement that indicates His desire to spread God’s truth, but also shows His obedience to God’s will. Jesus was excited about what was to come, but He knew God had a plan for how it was to take place. Jesus understood that doing what God intended was essential for the world to be saved.

I remember when I was younger I attempted to assemble several model cars and planes. I’ll admit I was not very good at it because I was impatient to get them done and often ignored the instructions, thinking “I know what it’s supposed to look like, I can just put it together myself!” The results were never what they should have been and I was frustrated by the wasted effort.

This is what Jesus is experiencing and sharing with us in this lesson. He knows what God’s plan is supposed to look like and He is anxious for it to come to pass. However, He also knows that without following God’s instructions, the results will not be what was intended. Even if we have good intentions, it is necessary to listen carefully to God and not press ahead with our own plan.

Heavenly Father, we know You bless our actions when we are doing Your will. Help us to hear and understand so that we do not wander off on our own. Keep us in Your love and care today and always. Amen.

In the lesson for this week (Luke 12:32-40) we have encountered several things to examine in our lives. Jesus wants us to look at how we use our resources and what role they play in our relationship with God and others. He tells us that what we use our gifts on determines what is important to us, and warns that too much emphasis on material possessions and how we obtain them can hinder our connection with our Heavenly Father.

An important verse from this scripture says “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). How wonderful a promise is this? God stands ready to give us the kingdom if we would only seek it! When we let earthly things distract us they lead us away from our heavenly inheritance.

Another verse that gives us insight into God’s promise tells us “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” (Luke 12:37). For some of us, this sounds much like Jesus caring for the disciples at the Last Supper. However, Jesus tells us here that God will be ready and waiting to serve those who are found to be ready and waiting for Him.

Are we ready and waiting? We know the call God makes on our lives – to love Him and our neighbors, and to make disciples of all the world. Those who obey His call and wait actively for the coming of His kingdom have been promised a place at His table. Don’t ignore the invitation God has sent you!

Gracious God, we are often led astray by the lure of worldly things. Help us to focus on the eternal importance of a connection to You and serving each other in Your name until Your kingdom comes on earth. Amen.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.  It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:32-40

Jesus has several related subjects for us in this lesson: God has given us the kingdom, we are to provide for the poor and not store up earthly treasure, and we are to watch and wait for His return. That’s a lot to take in through just a few verses! Jesus always had a single plan in mind when He taught – God’s plan for us, and even though there was much to hear and learn, it was all connected to that single truth.

Every teaching connects us to loving God, loving neighbor and making disciples. If we looked at all our thoughts and actions to make sure that it fits one of these commands, we would be more like Jesus every day. Being aware of the needs of those around us and using the gifts God has given will enable us to spread the Good News as we have been called to do.

Jesus told us to wait patiently but actively – always being ready for the coming of the Kingdom, but doing God’s will on earth until that time comes. If we continue His work enthusiastically, we will be the good and faithful servants He expects, ready to welcome Him when He returns.

Gracious God, we are blessed to be part of Your plan, serving You and our brothers and sisters. Thank You for calling us to be participants, not just observers. May we be good stewards of all You give us, using Your gifts wisely and generously. Amen.

“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:39-40

Jesus says that we will not know the time of His return, not to keep information from us, but because that is God’s plan. Just before returning to heaven He tells His disciples “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8). In this lesson He tells us that we must be ready all the time for the coming of the kingdom.

God made us and knows that we are prone to wander off in search of our own desires. That is why He says we must always be ready, to keep us mindful of our blessing and our responsibility to be His witnesses. When we put God’s will ahead of our own, we are always ready.

Jesus wants us to know the joy of the same relationship He has with God, and to inherit the kingdom with Him. All of His lessons point us toward God’s plan for us, and help us focus on our response to God’s love. May we all be ready for that wonderful time when we know Him face to face!

Loving Lord, our will is weak and susceptible to falling away. Keep us in Your care, that we may follow You faithfully and be ready to welcome You when You return. Amen.