Fire and Division

Rocking chairs of JB and Maude Chapman by the fireplace.
I'm guessing prayers for revival fire came from these seats!

Scripture:

Luke 12:49    “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ⁵⁰ I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! ⁵¹ Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! ⁵² From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; ⁵³ they will be divided:

father against son

and son against father,

mother against daughter

and daughter against mother,

mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law

and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Observation:

It’s interesting that Luke doesn’t provide us with any change of audience, but immediately quotes Jesus conversing with the disciples. He just concluded commenting the responsibility required of those who had been given the advantages of knowledge and experience in the kingdom. The shift seems to be emotional and the cost of discipleship laid bare. 

Jesus came to bring revival fire to the world. Remember, he didn’t come to baptize with water, but with fire. That wouldn’t happen until Pentecost and between now and then, he would have to face may trials. Notice how he says that he is under great stress. I’m not sure we can even imagine what was going through his mind. 

Jesus knew that discipleship would be extremely costly. While he came as the “prince of peace,” there were plenty who would not accept the peace that he wanted to bring into their lives. They would reject what he had to offer and, reject any family members who chose to be devoted to him. 

Neale shares the following:

This dissolution sets the stage for “the formation of a new kinship group around Jesus” (Green 1997, 510; → 8:19–21, where Jesus is visited by his natural family and they are brushed aside). Familial relationships in the new community are not simply of secondary importance to discipleship; they are supplanted by this new family. Kinship in the new community is based on obedience to the word of God: “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (8:21). It is ultimately a question of loyalty. Self-denial, the carrying of one’s cross, and following Jesus are the “basis for Christian loyalty” (Fitzmyer 1981, 784). Supplanting family ties with the new kinship of the faithful is simply another example of self-denial (NBBC). 

This “self-denial” is extremely costly, and yet, if there is to be revival fire, it will be pricey.  

Application:

I hear many people praying for revival to come these days, but sometimes I wonder if we are prepared for the cost. When I read here that Jesus was stressed, it makes me a little relieved. When I feel stressed, I question whether I am trusting the Lord in everything that I should. However, I believe that we are called to join with Jesus in praying for revival fire — for God’s people to be burning with passion for him, and not the things of this world. 

The consuming fire of God’s holy presence is to be kindled and rekindled in our hearts and lives. I’m not sure that we have really understood this cost of discipleship. The self-denial that is required means that we willingly turn from anything that may keep us from being entirely sold-out to following him. Jesus had warned the disciples that even good activities would, or could be a distraction from the mission. Burning passion for Christ’s mission in the world is needed now more than ever. 

This burning passion will be costly. Family members will not understand our desire to hold to the truths of the Word of God, will become angry and may even shun us for our beliefs. We saw this over and over again when we were living in Russia. For young people to follow Christ, it cost them everything. The church community became a family, a kinship that supported when there was no other support system available.   

Discipleship should carry with it a fire for Christ and a self-denial that may bring division. May God give us strength for the day. 

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for your holy fire to be consuming, both in my life and in the lives of others. Help us to lead faithful lives of discipleship, even when it’s costly. Amen.