"Nagkadto Ako Diri Sa Kalibutan Sa Pagsilot Sa Mga Tawo Pareho Sang Kalayo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 12:49-53)

Nagsiling pa gid si Jesus sa ila, "Nagkadto ako diri sa kalibutan sa pagsilot sa mga tawo. Ang ila silot mangin pareho sang kalayo, kag luyag ko nga magdabdab na ini.

Pero sa wala pa ini matabo madamo anay nga mga pag-antos ang akon maagihan. Kag indi gid ako mapahamtang samtang wala pa ini matapos.

"Nagahunahuna bala kamo nga nagkadto ako diri sa kalibutan agod mangin maayo ang relasyon sang isa kag isa? Ang matuod, nagkadto ako diri agod magbinahin-bahin ang mga tawo.

Kay halin karon, tungod sa akon, may lima ka tawo sa pamilya nga magabinahin-bahin. Ang tatlo kontra sa duha kag ang duha kontra sa tatlo.

Ang amay kag ang iya anak nga lalaki magakontrahanay. Ang iloy kag ang iya anak nga babayi magakontrahanay, kag ang ugangan nga babayi kag ang iya umagad nga babayi magakontrahanay."

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Meditation: 

Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people.  God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deut. 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us. 

 

Jesus’ sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace within families must have shocked his disciples.Was he exaggerating? Jesus used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus’ hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore, and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction by the world. 

When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)? 

"Lord Jesus, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will."