I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled…Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?
Luke 12:49-53
Jesus, continuing His talk with His Disciples, addresses His purpose in coming to this world and He uses fire and division to describe His earthly ministry. By this time in Jesus’ earthly ministry, He has been rejected by the religious leaders of Israel and they have passed their hatred for Him to the Jews who would listen to them. Jesus is being ostracized by many Israelites and they eventually will kill Him, albeit at the hands of the Roman government. So, the Prince of Peace, described by Isaiah 9:6, has been rejected and Jesus asks a rhetorical question, “Do you really think I have come to bring peace on earth?” Jesus is telling those listeners that, in order to see peace on earth, the false religious leaders and, all who follow them, must be thrown out of their positions; preoccupation with this world must end and; pursuit of the Kingdom of God through faith in Jesus’ works alone is necessary. Jesus is saying that His coming was like “casting fire upon the earth.” The “fire” of Jesus looming crucifixion has yet to be kindled, though Jesus wishes, here, that it was already kindled. Jesus agonizes over His impending death even now as He talks with His Disciples. The division Jesus brings is that division which His cross creates. There are, even today, those who believe and those who reject the Person and works of Jesus, in His earthly ministry as Atoner and Redeemer of His chosen ones. If you put your trust in Jesus Christ and, if you believe in Him as the crucified and risen Savior, you’re among the faithful. You have exercised your gospel stewardship appropriately toward God and, when you face God, you will be blessed and rewarded eternally. On the other hand, if you do not do that, if you do not believe in Jesus’ atoning death and redemption of the lost souls, you fall among the unbelievers whose destination will be the eternal, unquenchable fires of hell with all its misery, suffering and, pain. This day, I beg all unbelievers to turn from your sin, receive the salvation of the Lord, be reconciled to the Creator of all creatures and, live eternally at peace.
Source: S C Ball February 23, 2023
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