Proper 8:Gospel, Matthew 10:34-42

“Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Now that’s a picture of Jesus I really like. Enough with all this mamby-pamby, peace on earth, Hallmark Christmas card nonsense. Jesus, our Jesus is a “Head Whooper.” Blasphemous? Undignified? Unbiblical? Well that last inquiry is the only question that matters in any presentation and discussion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is it biblical?

In our OT reading this week we saw mighty Jeremiah standing firm and proclaiming Yahweh’s truth in the face of a false prophet. Today we see the Savior Himself proclaiming truth about Himself in the face of imagery that we have learned to love and savor. And of course we know from reading the full record of Scripture that Jesus does bring us a mighty peace. But notice He says that He does not come to bring peace to the earth. To a world system gone awry in sin that has absolutely no place for Him. Dear old Dr. Mitchell, (I cite him once again) used to say to us in class: “Never forget that the world hates Jesus Christ.” I think we do. Often. It’s what has given place to artists to depict the carpenter of Nazareth with skin so smooth that no amount of Oil of Olay could compete. And with “long, flowing hair by Antoine” as one of our guest preachers used to say years ago. 

NO! My Jesus is the Aslan of C.S. Lewis. My Jesus, while supremely compassionate, is the Strong Tower to whom the righteous run. My Jesus is God Almighty! And that Jesus calls us in this reading to a love and devotion, yes and a commitment that leaves no place for wimps. It’s all or nothing, and though mankind is always the same, we need repenting, praying, warring Christians filled with the Holy Spirit like never before.

I’m gonna say with love, get in the game or get out of the way. The days demand it. And so does our Lord, cf. Revelation 3:14-16.