February 2

Matthew 10:34-42 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Observation

On the surface, these words seem quite harsh. But, when we interpret these verses in the context of the entire Bible, we know that Jesus was speaking figuratively, not literally. No, he was not saying that, literally, he came to destroy families or that his followers must hate their parents and children. Instead, he was using hyperbole to make this simple point -- Jesus must come first in the lives of his disciples. That is, the priority position of commitment must be given to Jesus even if nobody else does (vv. 34-35), even if it comes at a cost (vv. 38-39), and even above the most treasured relationships (vv. 36-37).

Application

Karis once asked me, "Daddy, if God told you to stop loving me, would you?" A bit stunned, I responded, "Honey, God would never tell me to do that." But, she persisted, "I know but, IF he did, would you?" What she wanted to know was, if I ever had to choose between God or her, who would I pick? I refused to answer her question citing how irrational it was, but the real reason I avoided it was because I honestly did not know. In trust, I've got to move to that place where I put Jesus first no matter what -- even if nobody else does, even if it comes at a cost, and even above my most treasured relationships. For when I do, not only will I be a more devoted follower of Christ, but I'll also be a better father to my children, husband to my wife, son to my mother, brother to my siblings, and pastor to my church. Today, I will be mindful to put Jesus first.

Prayer

Lord, I know that you are most glorified when I put you first, and you have my best interest in mind when you say to give you the priority position of commitment. But you know how hard that is for me. I want commitment without sacrifice, but you desire my whole life. Help me to offer my undivided heart to you, O God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

--P. Michael Lee