19th Day of Lent, March 26, 2025

Matthew 10:34-39 <- Click to read now

This takes me back to the prophecy Simeon gave about Jesus after his birth. “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed…”

There really is no middle ground between truly following Jesus and rejecting him. In this passage, Jesus wasn’t saying his goal was to divide families. He was saying that people would either accept him or reject him. Those who reject him will do it so completely, they will reject everything about him, including his followers. This becomes evident as even our closest friends can turn away from us because of our faith.

I don’t want anyone to feel like this is some kind of seclusion from friends and family or it’s some kind of shunning of other people. You are all sensible, and you know God doesn’t want that for us. As a matter of fact, we are taught to give unconditional love even to our deepest enemies. The point is this: True intentions will come to light in the way people either follow Jesus or turn away from him. Let’s continue to be those who follow him. Let’s pray.

Lord, help us to keep our eyes on You, and our eyes on our Savior. Help us to continue to share the love You have given us, and to shine the light You have put within us. Help us to follow Jesus through the difficulties it might bring, so we can glorify You. Amen.