By: Elizabeth Haarberg

And Division

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, offering peace to everyone He meets.

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

But, Jesus also states that he came to create division.

“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
Luke 12:51 English Standard Version

How can a person bring peace and division? It seems contradictory but it isn’t. In Luke 12:51, Jesus says peace ON EARTH. The peace that Jesus offers is internal peace, peace above all the chaos around us, it doesn’t mean a stoppage of wars and discord on Earth.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

The peace that Jesus brings is from God’s kingdom and is always available to us. The division that Jesus is referring to is the argument over who He is, causing a divide in theological beliefs and unfortunately, relationships.

“For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three. 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 her mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:52-53 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Peace is wonderful, but if Christians are expecting peace on Earth, they are looking in the wrong place. Satan roams like a lion on Earth, causing destruction and death, constantly creating chaos in the peace we are seeking.

“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Jesus is the peace inside of us that is always being offered, we just have to say yes. So, pause today, connect with the living God who is constantly pouring peace out over us and receive the gift that is offered.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado