“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, 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 daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12.49-53
The cost of following Jesus is immense. Entire nations have gone to war over the acceptance or rejection of Christ as Lord. Why shouldn’t it cost us something?
When I left my position as director of youth ministry in the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church after 15 years, it cost me something. We had reached a theological impasse with conference leadership, and it was time for me to go. The program would later die after my departure. When I gave up that position and chose not to take another appointment, I lost the security of a salary. I went from a full salary with benefits to nothing. (Thankfully, my wife supported me!) Following Christ should cost us something.
In this passage, Jesus is saying that following Him will cause division in relationships. His way is radically different from how most people live, and that difference can bring strife. He is not against peace, but His path can lead to unrest, tension, and difficulty. Just look at how He died—how the Jews and Romans, and ultimately our own sins, killed Him because His path was different.
In some countries, accepting Christ brings the immediate threat of losing your life—North Korea, Iran, and others. The persecuted church is real! Shimon, who works with me at Truett, has a father who works with the persecuted church in India. People are dying because they choose to live for Christ.
Finally, following Jesus can bring strife because we are saying no to Satan, his demons, and the sin that so easily entangles us. Our battle is not against flesh and blood alone (Ephesians 6). When we follow Christ, we open a gateway into the spiritual realm and become a target and enemy of the evil one. Those who love Jesus are hated by the devil. (And aren’t we glad!) We who love the Lord are filled with the Holy Spirit, and the blood of Christ covers us completely.
So if you choose to follow Christ, you will face adversity and perhaps unrest. But take heart—Jesus has overcome the world, redeemed your life, and snatched you from the very talons of death.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. When my love fails, Your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill us with Your love. Help us know the power of grace that is integral to our faith. I love You, Lord, and I praise Your name. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen