“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth. I came not to bring peace but a sword.”
–Matthew 10:34
Believers in Jesus always have peace that passeth understanding. But they are always persecuted and tormented from the ancient to the present day. Even though they have peace in their hearts, all around they face strife and trouble. They are not violent, but are always accused. Even persons belonging to the same house turn against them and try to harm them. Those who are against Jesus will persecute those who are for Him.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”
John 15:18
“I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
John 15:19
Your parents or in-laws may not like Jesus, so they hate you who loves the Lord. The answer to this we get in Matthew 10:37-39. Here Jesus says, “If you love your father or mother, son or daughter, more than me, you are not worthy of mine.” It does not mean that you have to hate them, but love Christ more than those people. If you refuse to take up the cross and follow me, you are not mine; if you cling to your life, you will lose it; if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Testimony:
All believers are called to acknowledge the lordship of Christ and show Him preference over all earthly ties. Though born in a Christian family, I did not know the Lord for 45 years till God came in search of me 15 years back in 2007. Now I have been associated with AOJ by God’s grace for more than 3 years now. In 2020 May 17th when I was worshiping the Lord, God showed me a sword, and I was looking for a reason and God showed these verses (Matthew 10:34-36). Meditating further I got the answer in Matthew 10:37-39.
The words of Jesus are like a sword of truth that penetrates human hearts. Those who love and obey God will trust His words. Others hate and distrust Him. His word is a double-edged sword, which penetrates the speaker and the listener. In Revelation, the Lord is depicted as a rider of a horse, with a fury sword coming out of His mouth. It implies that the words of Jesus in our mouth, mind and heart is a purifying, cleansing and sanctifying fire as well as a weapon of defense, a source of power in our lives to emerge victorious.
God taught me (Exodus 4:12, Ezekiel 3:27, Matthew 10:19,20, Isaiah 49:2) how to give direction to the sword of the spirit through my mouth in absolute faith, whose edge has been sharpened and polished to slaughter and kill (Ezekiel 21:10, 14,16) and to do surgery and remove all idols, stone hearts, ego, pride, position etc.
Prayer
Father God, give me the grace to love you more than anything or any relation in this world. All glory, honour and praise to the Lord Jesus.
Amen
Sol. Jasmine James AOJ