Christ
Brings Division
When we think of the end times it always focuses on the return of Christ and peace to the world. People get the idea that when Christ makes His appearance at the second advent that He is coming in peace. The problem is that He already came in peace and no one would receive Him. Instead they killed Him and tried to destroy everything He represented by persecuting His followers. The tables have turned now and we are entering into the beginning of a new world age. Yes, Christ is returning soon to finish what He had started long ago. However, many think He is coming to the earth with a smile on His face, and a heart filled with forgiveness and love. "I don't think so."
You see, Christ did all that in the first advent when He came ridding upon a colt in peace, love, and brotherhood. (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:5). Once again, they rejected, killed Him, and rejected everything He stood for. Now that Christ has been crucified for the sins of the world, He paid the awesome price through crucifixion, defeating death, and bringing salvation to the very people that destroyed Him. But, many still reject Him today because of lack of knowledge and truth in the word.
There is division among the world today like never before in time, and there is a good reason for it. You see, wee are getting closer and closer to the return of Christ at the second advent, and division among people is growing more rapid than ever. Family division, political division, racial division, monetary division, religious division, and worse of all; division between good and evil. (We are a divided country and world). Our Heavenly Father is not happy, but He knew that this would happen, just as Christ knew when He was crucified on the cross. Yes, Christ knew that this division must come upon the world, and He would be a part of it. Lets take a look at what Jesus said in the book of Look.
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (Luke 12:49). The fire is kindling as we speak. The sparks are flying around the world today, and the kindling is about to be ignited. Keep in mind that God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29, Malachi 4:1).
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (Luke 12:50). I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of Me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. "Jesus was to do the will of the Heavenly Father who sent Him." (John 4:34).
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. (Luke 12:51). The division is between good and evil; "God and Satan." (Matthew 10:34-36, 24:7-10).
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. (Luke 12:52). Even families will be divided over Me. There will be division among families and in the churches. (John 10:19-21, 15:18-21).
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:53). Take a good look today at the churches, and in your own family. One believes this way and another believes a different way. People believing different religions and doctrines of men. (Satan divides families with religion). "Satan loves division." (Just look at our country today; it went from the United States, to the Divided States of America).
So, with that being said, how does Christ bring division? When Christ returns at the second advent, He comes with the sword of truth. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34). God does not want to make peace with the ways of this world, He wants to change it. When Jesus Christ comes into your life, there will be division between you and other people, even your family. When Christ returns at the second advent, He returns with a sharp sword, "The True Word of God." (Revelation 1:16, 19:11-16, Hebrews 4:12). The "Word of God" is sharper then a two edge sword that divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of your thoughts and intents. (Hebrews 4:12). It is the truth of the word that divides. Yes, Christ brings division, but that division is between good and evil. Which side will you be on? "We need to get back to the truth in the word, and under God which this country was founded upon." Follow the truth, expect division, and keep your eyes on the Heavenly Father; then you will receive all the glory.
Keep The Faith,Barton