: Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
Matthew 10:34–36 describes Jesus telling the disciples that He came not to bring peace to the world, but a sword. Jesus’ sword was never a literal one. In fact, when Peter took up a sword to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus rebuked him and told him to put away his sword, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Why then, did Jesus say, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” What kind of sword did Jesus come to bring?
Among the names of Jesus Christ is that of Prince of Peace. Such verses as Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, and John 14:27 make it clear that Jesus came to bring peace, but that peace is between the man and God. Those who reject God and the only way of salvation through Jesus (John 14:6) will find themselves perpetually at war with God. But those who come to Him in repentance will find themselves at peace with God. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Still, it is inevitable that there will be conflict between good and evil, the Christ and the antichrist, the light and the darkness, the children of God (believers) and the children of the devil (those who refuse Christ). Conflict must arise between the two groups, and this can and does happen within a family in which some are believers and others are not. We should seek to be at peace with all men but should never forget that Jesus warned we will be hated for His sake. Because those who reject Him hate Him, they will hate His followers as well (John 15:18).
In Matthew 10:34–36, Jesus said He had come at this time not to bring peace to the earth, but a sword, a weapon which divides and severs. As a result of His visit to the earth, some children would be set against parents and a man’s enemies might be those within his own household. This is because many who choose to follow Christ are hated by their family members. This may be part of the cost of discipleship, for love of family should not be greater than love for the Lord. A true disciple must take up his cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). He must be willing to face not only family hatred, but also death, like a criminal carrying his cross to his own execution. True followers of Christ must be willing to give up, even to the point of “hating” all that is in our lives, even our own families, if we are to be worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37–39). In so doing, we find our lives in return for having given them up to Jesus Christ.
Matteus 10:34–36 beskryf Jesus wat vir die dissipels sê dat Hy nie gekom het om vrede in die wêreld te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard. Jesus se swaard was nooit ‘n letterlike een nie. Trouens, toe Petrus ‘n swaard opgeneem het om Jesus in die tuin van Getsemane te verdedig, het Jesus hom bestraf en vir hom gesê om sy swaard weg te sit, “want almal wat die swaard trek, sal deur die swaard sterwe” (Matteus 26:52). Waarom het Jesus dan gesê: “Moenie dink dat Ek gekom het om vrede op die aarde te bring nie. Ek het nie gekom om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard.” Watter soort swaard het Jesus gekom om te bring?
Onder die name van Jesus Christus is dié van Vredevors. Verse soos Jesaja 9:6, Lukas 2:14 en Johannes 14:27 maak dit duidelik dat Jesus gekom het om vrede te bring, maar dat vrede tussen die mens en God is. Diegene wat God en die enigste weg van verlossing deur Jesus verwerp (Johannes 14:6), sal hulself voortdurend in oorlog met God bevind. Maar diegene wat in berou na Hom kom, sal hulself in vrede met God bevind. As gevolg van Christus se offer word ons herstel in ‘n verhouding van vrede met God (Romeine 5:1).
Tog is dit onvermydelik dat daar konflik sal wees tussen goed en kwaad, die Christus en die antichris, die lig en die duisternis, die kinders van God (gelowiges) en die kinders van die duiwel (diegene wat Christus weier). Konflik moet ontstaan tussen die twee groepe, en dit kan en gebeur binne ‘n gesin waarin sommige gelowiges is en ander nie. Ons moet daarna streef om in vrede met alle mense te wees, maar moet nooit vergeet dat Jesus gewaarsku het dat ons ter wille van Hom gehaat sal word nie. Omdat diegene wat Hom verwerp Hom haat, sal hulle ook Sy volgelinge haat (Johannes 15:18).
In Matteus 10:34–36 het Jesus gesê dat Hy in hierdie tyd nie gekom het om vrede op die aarde te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard, ‘n wapen wat verdeel en skeur. As gevolg van Sy besoek aan die aarde, sal sommige kinders teen ouers gestel word en ‘n man se vyande kan diegene in sy eie huishouding wees. Dit is omdat baie wat kies om Christus te volg, deur hul familielede gehaat word. Dit mag deel wees van die koste van dissipelskap, want liefde vir familie behoort nie groter te wees as liefde vir die Here nie. ‘n Ware dissipel moet sy kruis opneem en Jesus volg (Matteus 16:24). Hy moet bereid wees om nie net familiehaat in die gesig te staar nie, maar ook die dood, soos ‘n misdadiger wat sy kruis na sy eie teregstelling dra. Ware volgelinge van Christus moet bereid wees om op te gee, selfs tot die punt om alles in ons lewens te “haat”, selfs ons eie families, as ons Hom waardig wil wees (Matteus 10:37–39). Deur dit te doen, vind ons ons lewens in ruil daarvoor dat ons dit aan Jesus Christus oorgegee het.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
—Proverbs 31:28-29
When’s the last time you praised a godly woman for her life of faith, noble deeds of love, and her demonstrations of grace?
Why not take time to write a note or two of appreciation and share your thanks with several of these godly women today?
Where would we be today without the faithfulness of the godly women in our lives?
Where would we be today without the ministry of women in the ministry of Jesus or the early church?
I can’t imagine, and don’t want to! Let’s tell them today how precious they are to us, our faith, and the work of the Kingdom of God!
PRAYER
Father, we thank you for Godly women who have shaped our lives and helped us have genuine faith.
God, I thank you for the great women of faith in Scripture who did so much for your people. Help us, your Church, your children of faith, to find every way possible to show these great ladies of faith, courage, giftedness, intellect, and good deeds how much they mean to us and to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and Amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Haar kinders staan op en noem haar geseënd; haar man ook, en hy prys haar: “Baie vroue doen edele dinge, maar jy oortref hulle almal.”
—Spreuke 31:28-29
Wanneer laas het jy ‘n godvrugtige vrou geprys vir haar lewe van geloof, edele dade van liefde en haar demonstrasies van genade?
Hoekom neem jy nie tyd om ‘n nota of twee van waardering te skryf en jou dank met ‘n paar van hierdie godvrugtige vroue vandag te deel nie?
Waar sou ons vandag wees sonder die getrouheid van die godvrugtige vroue in ons lewens?
Waar sou ons vandag wees sonder die bediening van vroue in die bediening van Jesus of die vroeë kerk?
Ek kan dit nie indink nie, en wil dit nie indink nie! Kom ons vertel hulle vandag hoe kosbaar hulle vir ons is, ons geloof en die werk van die Koninkryk van God!
Gebed
Vader, ons dank U vir Godvrugtige vroue wat ons lewens gevorm het en ons gehelp het om ware geloof te hê.
God, ek dank U vir die groot vroue van geloof in die Skrif wat soveel vir u mense gedoen het. Help ons, u Kerk, u kinders van geloof, om elke moontlike manier te vind om hierdie groot dames van geloof, moed, begaafdheid, intellek en goeie dade te wys hoeveel hulle vir ons en vir U beteken. In Jesus se Naam bid ons. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
It has often been said that more wars have been fought in the name of religion than anything else. While that statement is completely inaccurate, many people still ponder the question, “Why can’t religions coexist peacefully?” The short answer is because the various religions are competing with one another for the hearts and souls of men. The very nature of religious belief is exclusive, because each religion makes claims about truth that are at odds with the claims of other religions.
Every religion addresses these basic questions: Where did man come from, and why is he here? Is there life after death? Is there a God, and how can we know him? These questions help frame one’s worldview, the foundational philosophy of how one deals with life. When two people have different answers to these questions, there is bound to be conflict of some sort. This conflict can range from a friendly disagreement to a life-and-death battle, depending on the people involved. Since there are hundreds of different religions in the world, and millions of people framing their worldview, it is easy to see how things can escalate.
Typically, when the question “why can’t religions coexist” is asked, the focus is on the historic struggles among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, although other religions are often included. Sometimes, a contrast is drawn between the pacifism of Eastern mysticism and the violence of traditional monotheism (Christianity, Judaism, Islam), though violence and extremism can also be found among the mystic religions. A brief look at history will confirm that every religion has its extremists and carries its share of blame for violence. An important question to ask is whether the bloodshed can be attributed to a religion’s essential teachings, or if it comes from a twisted application of those beliefs.
Christianity is often blamed for atrocities committed in the name of Jesus Christ. The Crusades (1096-1272), the Inquisition (1200-1800), and the French Wars of Religion (1562-98) are common examples. All these events were carried out under the auspices of and with the approval of the Roman Catholic Church, yet they were clearly in violation of the teachings of Jesus Christ. In fact, both the Inquisition and the French Wars of Religion were attacks by Catholics against Christians who disagreed with the doctrine and practice of the Catholic Church. Writing of this history, Noah Webster said, “The ecclesiastical establishments of Europe which serve to support tyrannical governments are not the Christian religion but abuses and corruptions of it.”
When the teachings of Jesus and the apostles are examined, it is clear that Christians are expected to live lives characterized by peace. Romans 12:14 and 18 say, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. . . . If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:39, “Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Peter wrote, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
Judaism is accused of stirring up violence, yet throughout history, the Jews have been on the receiving end of violence for more than two thousand years. In every country where they have lived, they have been maligned and persecuted, even though they lived peacefully and provided goods and services to others. Some will point to passages in the Old Testament in which the Jews were commanded to exterminate other nations and say this proves the violent undertones of Judaism. Interestingly, even though God commanded the Jews to wipe out the inhabitants of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1-5) in order to prevent His people from falling into idolatry, He also commanded them not to “mistreat or oppress a foreigner”(Exodus 22:21). And He extended an invitation to everyone, not just Jews, to believe in Him and be saved (Isaiah 45:22; Romans 10:12; 1 Timothy 2:4). God’s intention is to bless all people through the Jews (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). Judaism teaches people “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Islam has also been accused of violence, and in recent years many have tried to distinguish between Islamic extremism and the “religion of peace,” as Islam is sometimes called. There is no doubt that there are many peaceful followers of Islam, but it is also clear that the very foundation of Islam is rooted in violence. Muhammad (570-632), the founder and prophet of Islam, was raised in the city of Mecca and began preaching his revelations at the age of 40. When some tribes opposed him, he led his followers on a brutal campaign to defeat and convert them. Many revelations were given encouraging Muslims to kill those who did not believe (Surah 2:191; 4:74; 8:12), and that is the primary way Islam has spread throughout its history. When the United States was at war with the Barbary pirates, Secretary of State Timothy Pickering said, “Taught by revelation that war with the Christians will guarantee the salvation of their souls, and finding so great secular advantages in the observance of this religious duty, their inducements to desperate fighting are very powerful.” In contrast to Christian extremists who have clearly twisted Scripture to justify their violence, Muslim extremists can point to the clear teaching and practice of their founder to support their acts. It is the moderates in Islam who have to explain away verses condoning violence.
One word can sum up the reason why religions cannot coexist peacefully: sin. Because sin affects all men, the tendency to fight can rise up even in religious contexts. While different religions may have similar positive benefits to society, all religions are not equal. Only Christianity addresses the sin problem by changing the heart of man. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Daar word dikwels gesê dat meer oorloë in die naam van godsdiens gevoer is as enigiets anders. Alhoewel daardie stelling heeltemal onakkuraat is, wonder baie mense steeds oor die vraag: “Waarom kan godsdienste nie vreedsaam saambestaan nie?” Die kort antwoord is omdat die verskillende godsdienste met mekaar meeding om die harte en siele van mense. Die aard van godsdienstige oortuiging is uitsluitend, want elke godsdiens maak bewerings oor waarheid wat strydig is met die bewerings van ander godsdienste.
Elke godsdiens spreek hierdie basiese vrae aan: Waar kom die mens vandaan, en hoekom is hy hier? Is daar lewe na die dood? Is daar ‘n God, en hoe kan ons Hom ken? Hierdie vrae help om ‘n mens se wêreldbeskouing te raam, die fundamentele filosofie van hoe ‘n mens met die lewe omgaan. Wanneer twee mense verskillende antwoorde op hierdie vrae het, is daar gebonde aan konflik van een of ander aard. Hierdie konflik kan wissel van ‘n vriendelike meningsverskil tot ‘n lewensgevaarlike stryd, afhangende van die mense wat betrokke is. Aangesien daar honderde verskillende godsdienste in die wêreld is, en miljoene mense wat hul wêreldbeskouing raam, is dit maklik om te sien hoe dinge kan eskaleer.
Gewoonlik, wanneer die vraag “hoekom kan godsdienste nie saambestaan nie” gevra word, is die fokus op die historiese stryd tussen die Christendom, Judaïsme en Islam, hoewel ander godsdienste dikwels ingesluit word. Soms word ‘n kontras getrek tussen die pasifisme van Oosterse mistisisme en die geweld van tradisionele monoteïsme (Christendom, Judaïsme, Islam), hoewel geweld en ekstremisme ook onder die mistieke godsdienste gevind kan word. ‘n Kort blik op die geskiedenis sal bevestig dat elke godsdiens sy ekstremiste het en sy deel van die skuld vir geweld dra. ‘n Belangrike vraag om te vra is of die bloedvergieting toegeskryf kan word aan ‘n godsdiens se essensiële leringe, of dat dit voortspruit uit ‘n verdraaide toepassing van daardie oortuigings.
Die Christendom word dikwels blameer vir gruweldade wat in die naam van Jesus Christus gepleeg is. Die Kruistogte (1096-1272), die Inkwisisie (1200-1800) en die Franse Godsdiensoorloë (1562-98) is algemene voorbeelde. Al hierdie gebeure is uitgevoer onder die beskerming van en met die goedkeuring van die Rooms-Katolieke Kerk, maar hulle was duidelik in stryd met die leringe van Jesus Christus. Trouens, beide die Inkwisisie en die Franse Godsdiensoorloë was aanvalle deur Katolieke teen Christene wat nie met die leerstelling en praktyk van die Katolieke Kerk saamgestem het nie. Noah Webster het in sy skryfwerk oor hierdie geskiedenis gesê: “Die kerklike instellings van Europa wat dien om tiranniese regerings te ondersteun, is nie die Christelike godsdiens nie, maar misbruik en korrupsie daarvan.”
Wanneer die leringe van Jesus en die apostels ondersoek word, is dit duidelik dat daar van Christene verwag word om lewens te lei wat deur vrede gekenmerk word. Romeine 12:14 en 18 sê: “Seën julle vervolgers; seën en moenie vervloek nie. . . . As dit moontlik is, sover dit van julle afhang, leef in vrede met almal.” Jesus het in Matteus 5:39 gesê: “Moenie ‘n slegte mens weerstaan nie. As iemand jou op die regterwang slaan, draai ook die ander wang na hom toe.” Petrus het geskryf: “Moenie kwaad met kwaad vergeld of belediging met belediging nie. Inteendeel, vergeld kwaad met seën, want hiertoe is julle geroep, sodat julle ‘n seën kan beërwe” (1 Petrus 3:9).
Judaïsme word daarvan beskuldig dat hulle geweld aanhits, maar deur die geskiedenis heen was die Jode al meer as tweeduisend jaar aan die ontvangkant van geweld. In elke land waar hulle gewoon het, is hulle belaster en vervolg, al het hulle vreedsaam geleef en goedere en dienste aan ander verskaf. Sommige sal wys na gedeeltes in die Ou Testament waarin die Jode beveel is om ander nasies uit te roei en sê dat dit die gewelddadige ondertone van Judaïsme bewys. Interessant genoeg, alhoewel God die Jode beveel het om die inwoners van die Beloofde Land uit te wis (Deuteronomium 7:1-5) om te verhoed dat Sy volk in afgodery verval, het Hy hulle ook beveel om nie “‘n vreemdeling te mishandel of te onderdruk nie” (Eksodus 22:21). En Hy het ‘n uitnodiging aan almal gerig, nie net Jode nie, om in Hom te glo en gered te word (Jesaja 45:22; Romeine 10:12; 1 Timoteus 2:4). God se voorneme is om alle mense deur die Jode te seën (Genesis 12:3; Jesaja 49:6). Judaïsme leer mense “om reg te doen en liefde te betoon en ootmoedig met jou God te wandel” (Miga 6:8).
Islam is ook van geweld beskuldig, en in onlangse jare het baie probeer om te onderskei tussen Islamitiese ekstremisme en die “godsdiens van vrede”, soos Islam soms genoem word. Daar is geen twyfel dat daar baie vreedsame volgelinge van Islam is nie, maar dit is ook duidelik dat die fondament van Islam in geweld gewortel is. Mohammed (570-632), die stigter en profeet van Islam, is in die stad Mekka grootgemaak en het op 40-jarige ouderdom sy openbarings begin verkondig. Toe sommige stamme hom teengestaan het, het hy sy volgelinge op ‘n brutale veldtog gelei om hulle te verslaan en te bekeer. Baie openbarings is gegee wat Moslems aangemoedig het om diegene wat nie geglo het nie, dood te maak (Surah 2:191; 4:74; 8:12), en dit is die primêre manier waarop Islam deur sy geskiedenis versprei het. Toe die Verenigde State in oorlog was met die Barbary-pirates, het die minister van buitelandse sake, Timothy Pickering, gesê: “Deur openbaring geleer dat oorlog met die Christene die redding van hul siele sal waarborg, en deur soveel sekulêre voordele in die nakoming van hierdie godsdienstige plig te vind, is hul aansporings tot desperate gevegte baie kragtig.” In teenstelling met Christelike ekstremiste wat die Skrif duidelik verdraai het om hul geweld te regverdig, kan Moslem-ekstremiste wys na die duidelike leer en praktyk van hul stigter om hul dade te ondersteun. Dit is die gematigdes in Islam wat verse wat geweld goedkeur, moet wegverduidelik.
Een woord kan die rede opsom waarom godsdienste nie vreedsaam kan saambestaan nie: sonde. Omdat sonde alle mense raak, kan die neiging om te veg selfs in godsdienstige kontekste opduik. Terwyl verskillende godsdienste soortgelyke positiewe voordele vir die samelewing kan inhou, is alle godsdienste nie gelyk nie. Slegs die Christendom spreek die sondeprobleem aan deur die hart van die mens te verander. “As iemand in Christus is, het die nuwe skepping gekom; die oue is verby, die nuwe is hier!” (2 Korintiërs 5:17).
Today’s Devotional
Jesus’ teachings often perplexed His listeners, and that hasn’t changed today. The modern Bible reader gets stumped by some puzzling and seemingly offensive statements, such as Matthew 10:34, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword? What’s going on? We call Him the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus also had a lot to say on loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27–28), forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15; 18:21–22; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37), and non-retaliation (Matthew 5:38–39, 44; Luke 6:27–29). He also cautioned Peter when Peter struck the high priest’s servant, telling him, “Put away your sword” (Matthew 26:52, NLT). How do we then understand the words “I came not to bring peace, but a sword”?
This difficult statement becomes clearer when we examine the surrounding verses. Those who use Jesus’ statement that He came not to bring peace but a sword to undermine the Lord’s credibility must ignore the full teachings of Scriptures and take the verse out of context.
Matthew 10 begins with Jesus sending His disciples on a mission, providing them with instructions and crucial information. He tells them to focus on Israel (Matthew 10:6), perform miracles (verse 8), proclaim the arrival of the kingdom (verse 7), etc. He also warns that they will be hated because of Him (verse 22).
In this chapter, Jesus reveals a conflict between those who believe in Him and those who don’t—a conflict that is still evident in our world. The cross reconciles humanity with God, but among humans there will be a divide, as not everyone will sign up for Team Jesus. While we’re called to pursue peace (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14), we must understand the separation Jesus brings.
Jesus is and always has been a polarizing figure. The Pharisees were divided about who He was (John 9:16). Among the crowds who heard Jesus speak, “some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, he deceives the people’” (John 7:12). There was a variety of opinion on His identity, as the disciples reported: “Some say [You are] John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:14).
Truth, by its very nature, is separate from untruth. The sword of truth that Jesus wields divides even family members: “For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Matthew 10:35–36, quoting Micah 7:6). Due to people’s acceptance or rejection of the truth, Jesus was correct in saying He came to bring not peace, but a sword.
Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions in 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 that confirm that Jesus had not come to bring peace, but a sword: “What do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?” No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24); to pick up one’s cross and follow Christ is to turn one’s back on the world.
The Christian Post once featured an article on the late apologist Nabeel Qureshi. Qureshi described his conversion from Islam to Christianity as “the most difficult decision” in his life. He further expressed, “I asked God to kill me because I lost my family. I lost my friends in the mosque. I lost all the people who loved me the moment I became Christian” (Smith, S., “Former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi Prayed for God to Kill Him After Converting to Christianity,” July 19, 2016). This type of shunning is an example of the truth of Matthew 10:34 and is a struggle faced by many ex-Muslims.
In a “Christian culture,” fully committing to Christ can also bring about a sword. The devout follower of Jesus may be taunted, termed “holier than thou,” misunderstood, or embarrassed. Even in the best scenarios, the lifestyle of a genuine Christian differs from that of someone who merely professes the religion.
Identifying with Jesus comes at a great cost. It requires a reordering of priorities, self-denial, and the potential separation from loved ones. Just as a spouse desires full commitment, Jesus demands the same. The best part is, He initiated the covenant by shedding His blood for our sin. He made the first move, and the Holy Spirit empowers us even as we respond.
The statement, “I came not to bring peace but a sword,” should bring comfort to those walking a path similar to that of Qureshi. Nothing catches God by surprise, and the persecutions faced by Christians in this life will ultimately lead to glory. If Jesus already knew the divisive impact He would have, then we can trust that He knows what He is doing. In the meantime, we pray for our unsaved loved ones, seek opportunities to evangelize, and live lives that glorify God.
Vandag se Bemoediging
Jesus se leringe het Sy luisteraars dikwels verwar, en dit het vandag nie verander nie. Die moderne Bybelleser word verstom deur ‘n paar raaiselagtige en oënskynlik aanstootlike stellings, soos Matteus 10:34, “Moenie dink dat Ek gekom het om vrede op die aarde te bring nie. Ek het nie gekom om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard.”
Jesus het nie gekom om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard? Wat gaan aan? Ons noem Hom die Prins van Vrede (Jesaja 9:6). Jesus het ook baie te sê gehad oor die liefde vir jou vyande (Matteus 5:44; Lukas 6:27–28), vergifnis (Matteus 6:14–15; 18:21–22; Markus 11:25; Lukas 6:37), en nie-vergelding (Matteus 5:38–39, 44; Lukas 6:27–29). Hy het Petrus ook gewaarsku toe Petrus die hoëpriester se dienaar geslaan het en vir hom gesê het: “Sit jou swaard weg” (Matteus 26:52, NLT). Hoe verstaan ons dan die woorde “Ek het nie gekom om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard”?
Hierdie moeilike stelling word duideliker wanneer ons die omliggende verse ondersoek. Diegene wat Jesus se stelling gebruik dat Hy nie gekom het om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard om die Here se geloofwaardigheid te ondermyn, moet die volle leringe van die Skrif ignoreer en die vers uit konteks neem.
Matteus 10 begin met Jesus wat Sy dissipels op ‘n sending stuur en hulle van instruksies en belangrike inligting voorsien. Hy sê vir hulle om op Israel te fokus (Matteus 10:6), wonderwerke te verrig (vers 8), die koms van die koninkryk te verkondig (vers 7), ens. Hy waarsku ook dat hulle gehaat sal word as gevolg van Hom (vers 22).
In hierdie hoofstuk openbaar Jesus ‘n konflik tussen diegene wat in Hom glo en diegene wat nie glo nie – ‘n konflik wat steeds in ons wêreld sigbaar is. Die kruis versoen die mensdom met God, maar onder mense sal daar ‘n verdeeldheid wees, aangesien nie almal by Span Jesus sal aansluit nie. Terwyl ons geroep word om vrede na te streef (Romeine 12:18; Hebreërs 12:14), moet ons die skeiding verstaan wat Jesus bring.
Jesus is en was nog altyd ‘n polariserende figuur. Die Fariseërs was verdeeld oor wie Hy was (Johannes 9:16). Onder die skares wat Jesus hoor praat het, het “sommige gesê: Hy is ‘n goeie man. Ander het geantwoord: Nee, hy mislei die mense” (Johannes 7:12). Daar was ‘n verskeidenheid menings oor Sy identiteit, soos die dissipels berig het: “Sommige sê: Jy is Johannes die Doper, ander sê: Elia, en nog ander: Jeremia of een van die profete” (Matteus 16:14).
Waarheid is van nature apart van onwaarheid. Die swaard van waarheid wat Jesus gebruik, verdeel selfs familielede: “Want Ek het gekom om ‘n man teen sy vader te laat opstaan, ‘n dogter teen haar moeder, ‘n skoondogter teen haar skoonmoeder – ‘n man se huisgesin sal sy vyande wees” (Matteus 10:35–36, aanhaling uit Miga 7:6). As gevolg van mense se aanvaarding of verwerping van die waarheid, was Jesus reg toe hy gesê het dat Hy nie gekom het om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard.
Paulus vra ‘n reeks retoriese vrae in 2 Korintiërs 6:14–16 wat bevestig dat Jesus nie gekom het om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard: “Wat het geregtigheid en goddeloosheid in gemeen? Of watter gemeenskap kan lig met duisternis hê? Watter harmonie is daar tussen Christus en Belial? Of wat het ‘n gelowige in gemeen met ‘n ongelowige? Watter ooreenkoms is daar tussen die tempel van God en afgode?” Niemand kan twee here dien nie (Matteus 6:24); om jou kruis op te tel en Christus te volg, is om jou rug op die wêreld te draai.
Die Christian Post het eenkeer ‘n artikel oor die oorlede apologeet Nabeel Qureshi gepubliseer. Qureshi het sy bekering van Islam na die Christendom beskryf as “die moeilikste besluit” in sy lewe. Hy het verder gesê: “Ek het God gevra om my dood te maak omdat ek my familie verloor het. Ek het my vriende in die moskee verloor. Ek het al die mense verloor wat my liefgehad het die oomblik toe ek Christen geword het” (Smith, S., “Voormalige Moslem Nabeel Qureshi het gebid dat God hom doodmaak nadat hy tot die Christendom bekeer is,” 19 Julie 2016). Hierdie tipe vermyding is ‘n voorbeeld van die waarheid van Matteus 10:34 en is ‘n stryd waarmee baie eks-Moslems te kampe het.
In ‘n “Christelike kultuur” kan volle toewyding aan Christus ook ‘n swaard tot gevolg hê. Die toegewyde volgeling van Jesus kan gespot, “heiliger as jy” genoem word, misverstaan of verleë word. Selfs in die beste scenario’s verskil die leefstyl van ‘n ware Christen van dié van iemand wat bloot die godsdiens bely.
Identifikasie met Jesus kom teen ‘n groot prys. Dit vereis ‘n herordening van prioriteite, selfverloëning en die potensiële skeiding van geliefdes. Net soos ‘n eggenoot volle toewyding begeer, eis Jesus dieselfde. Die beste deel is dat Hy die verbond begin het deur Sy bloed vir ons sonde te stort. Hy het die eerste stap geneem, en die Heilige Gees bemagtig ons selfs terwyl ons reageer.
Die stelling: “Ek het nie gekom om vrede te bring nie, maar ‘n swaard,” behoort vertroosting te bring aan diegene wat ‘n pad soortgelyk aan dié van Qureshi loop. Niks vang God onverwags nie, en die vervolging wat Christene in hierdie lewe in die gesig staar, sal uiteindelik tot heerlikheid lei. As Jesus reeds geweet het watter verdelende impak Hy sou hê, dan kan ons vertrou dat Hy weet wat Hy doen. Intussen bid ons vir ons ongeredde geliefdes, soek geleenthede om te evangeliseer en leef lewens wat God verheerlik.
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Gereed Vir Heerlikheid:
Omdat die lewe kosbaar is, is dit moeilik om geliefdes te laat gaan wanneer die tyd aangebreek het vir hulle. En tog het die Here n spesifieke tyd bepaal vir elkeen van ons. Psalm 116:15 bevat kosbare trooswoorde: Vir die Here is die dood van sy troue dienaars geen geringe saak nie.
Toe Paulus aan die einde van sy lewe gekom het, was hy bemoedig deur dit wat in die Hemel op hom gewag het. Hy skryf, Nou wag die oorwinnaarskroon vir my, die lewe by God. Op die dag dat Hy weer kom, sal die Here die regverdige regter, dit vir my gee en nie net vir my, maar ook vir almal wat met verlange uitsien na sy koms ( 2 Tim 4:8 ).
Ons het n finale bestemming om by Christus te wees, want dit is verewig die beste ( Flip 1:23). Dit behoort ons te bemoedig om die eise van die lewe te hanteer en ons te troos as geliefdes te sterwe kom.
Die Heerlikhede van die Hemel wag
Vir diegene wat in die Seun glo,
Die beproewinge van die lewe vervaag
As ons Hom sien, in die Hemal daarbo !
Die grootste vreugde van die lewe is die versekerde hoop op die Hemel.
Ready for Glory:
Because life is precious, it is difficult to let go of loved ones when their time has come. Yet the Lord has set a specific time for each of us. Psalm 116:15 contains precious words of comfort: “The death of his faithful servants is no small thing in the sight of the Lord.”
As Paul neared the end of his life, he was encouraged by what awaited him in heaven. He wrote, “Now there is laid up for me the crown of life, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8).
We have a final destination to be with Christ, for that is eternally best (Phil. 1:23). This should encourage us to deal with the demands of life and comfort us when loved ones die.
The Glories of Heaven Await
For those who believe in the Son,
The trials of life fade
When we see Him, in Heaven above!
The greatest joy of life is the assured hope of Heaven.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – MOVIE TIME – THE BIBLE COLLECTION: THOMAS
Although he has gone down in history as Doubting Thomas,this innovative new film from the producers of Time Lifes The Bible series gives a new dimension to the man who was also known as The Twin and was a great believer and disciple of Jesus. This fascinating version of Thomas life sees the impact of Jesus Christ through a fresh pair of eyes and particularly the dramatic events that unfold before and after the death of Jesus. A highly-charged dramatic film, it brings to life the fear of the Apostles, their conflicts and struggles under the yoke of Roman occupation and life after the passing of their Messiah.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
TruLight Radio XM 24/7
Program
GMT / UTC +2
Saturday
6:00 Wake up with the Lord
8:15 Principals of Living
9:15 Hope of the Heart
10:15 Dacus Report
11:15 Growing Hope
12:15 Unshackled
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:00 Knowing Jesus Christ
15:15 Live in the Light
16:15 Renewing my Mind
17:00 The TruLight Top 10 hosted by Dilize Light
18:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:00 God will Provide Testimonies
21:00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
21:30 Good Old Country Gospel
21:45 Bible Reading
22:00 Nightsounds
