Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. (Luke 12:51)
Read: Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24
Relate: One of the friendliest guys I have met recently is a man I am going to call Joe. Joe is a Muslim but the way IS is acting almost makes him want to be an atheist. He says that what they are doing comes more from the hadiths (the traditions of what Mohammed said that grew up mostly two centuries after his death). This conversation mostly sprang up after he heard that I got a degree in Bible. Joe started asking me questions about what Christians thought about Isa (Jesus). Mostly I let him lead the conversation and just answered as I could, but when the conversation started moving off in a different direction I turned and asked “Joe” a question of my own. “What would happen if you decided to become a Christian.” Joe just shook his head, laughed a nervous laugh, and said, “That would not be good. That would not be good at all.”
React: Joe is from a culture and a family where becoming a Christian would not just be assenting to a set of beliefs or a certain doctrine. A best case scenario would most likely include him losing his job and his home. His wife would probably divorce him immediately. I don’t know if he has kids but if he does, he would likely never see them again. His father would disown him and many of his friends would do the same. For him, and the millions like him, becoming a Christian is about far more than just not baking a cake. Following Jesus means facing the sword. What they face makes the division caused over some silly Indiana law look like childs play.
Respond:
God, I am so thankful for the opportunities I have been raised in a godly home. I am so thankful that my following You has been a source of pride and of joy for my parents and family. I cannot imagine the conflict inside those who feel Your Spirit’s leading in their life but know that following You would bring division among those that they love dearest. I pray that You would give them the courage to step into the light no matter what chaos and conflict might follow. Help them, help us all, to surrender everything to You.
THE RIVER WALK 
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When you challenge the “status quo” or convict people by word and deed(i.e. By the life you lead) it creates conflict. It is often this internal conflict that is what is needed to foster change.
Reblogged this on The Transformation Project and commented:
If our eyes remain stayed on Jesus we know perfect peace – the peace that passes understanding. What we have to realize is that this a peace that is most often found in the midst of a raging storm. The rest of the world may be going to pieces but if you will remain in Christ, He will walk you through the Valley – even the valley of the shadow of death!
Praise Him!
Cliff
2 Timothy 4:2,5
Very good post, Beejai.
Informative point of view from your friend.
And it is certainly true, to follow Christ means facing the sword. This is very evident by those Christians in the terrorist controlled territories being beheaded when they choose Christ over Islam. Truly they are saints, who give their lives for Christ.
The cycle of prophets ended with John the Baptist. For what other preparation is necessary beyond the coming of God incarnate.
-Alan
Reblogged this on The Fruitful Life and commented:
I follow The River Walk blog each day. While Beejai’s style is different, this post reminded me of one I wrote not too long ago, “Claim Your Religion.”
“Joe” is one of those who would be in the category of losing so much more than we even think of losing if he claimed Christ as savior.
Thanks to The River Walk for its challenging message each day.
Since when did we get to the point that following Jesus should be a walk in the park? I love your straightforwardness here. Your reminder of what the cost is–way more than what our country is bickering about with wedding cakes. Thanks for reminding us all that the sword is always the possibility. That following Jesus is more than worth it.
Oh wow! Most times we even take the freedom of being Christians for granted. This definitely made me thank God some more for His salvation! I love the song at the end. God bless you for sharing.
Yes and yes. When Christians in the US claim to be “persecuted” we really dilute the meaning of the word.